A growing number of international airlines are halting flights over Russian airspace in response to the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft near Grozny. The Embraer 190, en route from Baku to the Chechen capital, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on 25 December 2024, after being denied landing clearance at Russian airports. The tragedy has intensified concerns over the safety of operating flights in the region.
AZAL’s Response
Azerbaijan Airlines announced it would suspend flights to seven Russian cities starting 28 December. The routes affected include Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, Samara, Grozny, and Makhachkala. The airline cited preliminary findings from the crash investigation and potential risks to flight safety as reasons for the suspension. Services to Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Astrakhan, Kazan, and Novosibirsk will continue, but the suspended routes will remain on hold pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Sources within AZAL have revealed that the pilot community is deeply concerned about safety guarantees. “It’s not just that the plane was downed,” said one insider, “but also that it was denied access to Russian airports. No one wants to risk a repeat of such an incident.”
Broader Aviation Impacts
Other carriers have followed suit in suspending flights to Russia. Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air has temporarily stopped flights from Astana to Yekaterinburg, effective from 28 December to 27 January 2025. The airline attributed the decision to ongoing risk assessments aimed at ensuring passenger and crew safety. However, it will maintain operations to Omsk and Novosibirsk.
Israeli national carrier El Al also announced a one-week suspension of its Moscow-bound flights as of 26 December, citing concerns over developments in Russian airspace.
Incident Overview
The crash of AZAL’s Embraer 190 resulted in 38 fatalities out of 67 people onboard. Passengers included nationals from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Reports suggest the aircraft was struck by a Russian Pantsir-S missile as it approached Grozny during a drone attack on the city. Sources claim the missile detonated near the aircraft, which then experienced communication disruptions due to electronic countermeasures. With nearby Russian airports refusing an emergency landing, the crew diverted to Kazakhstan but were unable to avert disaster.
Political and Diplomatic Fallout
The incident has triggered sharp criticism from Azerbaijan. MP Rasim Musabekov, a member of the country’s parliamentary committee on international affairs, has accused Russia of responsibility for the crash. “The plane was shot down over Russian territory, and this fact cannot be denied,” Musabekov told the Turan news agency. He called for Moscow to apologise, hold those responsible accountable, and compensate the victims’ families, warning that failure to do so could strain bilateral relations.
The Kremlin has adopted a cautious stance. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, urged patience, emphasising the need for a thorough investigation involving Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia. “Speculation at this stage is unhelpful,” Peskov remarked, adding that any conclusions should await the investigation’s outcome.
Growing Safety Concerns
The incident has amplified concerns about the safety of flights over and into Russia, particularly in areas experiencing heightened military activity. Reports from the pilot community reflect fears that such incidents could recur, compounded by the alleged refusal of Russian authorities to assist during emergencies.
Broader Implications
The suspension of flights over Russian airspace by multiple carriers highlights a critical reassessment of operational risks in the region. The tragedy may have wider implications, not only for aviation but also for Azerbaijan-Russia relations and broader international engagement with Russia’s airspace.
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Concerns Over Aviation Safety Following Azerbaijan Airlines Incident in Kazakhstan
