Azerbaijan Airlines has attributed the deadly crash of its Embraer jet in Kazakhstan on December 25 to “physical and technical external interference.” The crash, which occurred 3 kilometers short of Aktau airport’s runway, claimed 38 lives, leaving 29 survivors.
Initial investigations suggest the jet may have been struck by shrapnel from a Russian air-defense missile explosion. Aviation experts and witnesses reported unusual damage to the plane, which burst into flames upon impact. Veteran Azerbaijani pilot Tahir Agaguliev highlighted potential missile fragments as the cause of damage to the hydraulic systems, crucial for aircraft control.
Flight attendant Zulfuqar Asadov, a survivor, described the harrowing moments onboard, stating, “The plane was hit by some kind of external strike… There was panic, and then another strike injured my arm.”
The Embraer jet had originally attempted to land at Grozny airport in southern Russia. However, dense fog and escalating hostilities prompted its diversion to Kazakhstan. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s civil aviation authority, confirmed the imposition of a “Carpet plan” in Grozny’s airspace due to Ukrainian combat drones targeting civilian infrastructure in the region.
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to seven Russian cities, including Sochi, Volgograd, and Ufa, citing security concerns. This move followed the earlier suspension of flights to Grozny and Makhachkala. Israel’s El Al airline also halted flights to Moscow, reflecting growing apprehensions about Russian airspace.
The Kremlin has refrained from confirming reports of its air-defense systems causing the crash. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized awaiting official investigation results before commenting. Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have held Russia accountable, urging international scrutiny.
Kazakhstan, cooperating with Azerbaijan, has treated the injured but has withheld details of its crash investigation. Reports from Baku indicate resistance to Russia’s and Kazakhstan’s proposal for a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) investigation, with Azerbaijan advocating for an independent international inquiry.
The incident has sparked widespread mourning in Azerbaijan, with vigils honoring the pilots credited with minimizing casualties through their heroic actions.
This tragic event underscores rising risks in regional airspace amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions. As investigations continue, the aviation community and affected nations await conclusive findings to address safety concerns and accountability.
