Baku, 27 December 2024: An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 passengers on board. The remaining 29 survivors were taken to local hospitals as investigations into the disaster commenced.
The flight, traveling from Baku to Grozny, Russia, was reportedly diverted due to severe weather, according to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. While attempting an emergency landing in Aktau, the plane went down approximately three kilometers off the coast, erupting into flames upon impact. Viral mobile footage captured its steep descent and subsequent explosion.
Investigations are being led by authorities in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia, but the cause of the crash remains unclear. Initial findings from Russia’s aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, indicate a bird strike might have triggered an in-flight emergency. However, speculation around a potential missile strike has gained traction, with analysts pointing to possible damage to the aircraft’s tail section.
Some experts have suggested the plane may have been mistakenly targeted by Russian air defense systems during operations against Ukrainian drones. Osprey Flight Solutions, a UK-based aviation security firm, issued a warning suggesting the aircraft could have been shot down by a Russian military system. CEO Andrew Nicholson noted the elevated risks in the region, citing over 200 safety alerts related to drone activity and air-defense responses since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began.
Asked about the missile strike allegations, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete. Kazakh and Azerbaijani officials also declined to comment, deferring to the joint inquiry.
In Azerbaijan, a national day of mourning was observed on Thursday, with flags at half-mast and moments of silence held nationwide. Ships and trains signaled their tribute as the country mourned the victims.
Aircraft manufacturer Embraer has pledged full cooperation with investigators. As inquiries progress, the tragedy underscores broader concerns about aviation safety in conflict-affected zones.
