This marks the most severe civilian aircraft downing by Russia since MH17, highlighting risks to civilian aircraft in conflict zones.
A severe aviation disaster occurred on December 25, 2024, when an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed in tragic circumstances in western Kazakhstan. Investigation reveals a disturbing chain of events leading to the civilian aircraft's downing by Russian air defense. The AZAL Baku-Grozny flight began routinely but quickly turned catastrophic. According to Euronews, citing senior Azerbaijani government sources, the plane was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile while approaching Grozny during anti-Ukrainian drone operations, when Russian air defenses misidentified it as hostile.
Caliber.Az adds that according to "reliable government sources", the plane was attacked by a Pantsir-S air defense system. Russian electronic warfare systems disabled the plane's communication system, causing radar disappearance. Survivor Subkhonkul Rakhimov told TASS about three failed landing attempts in Grozny. Despite emergency landing requests, the damaged aircraft was denied permission at Russian airports and directed over the Caspian Sea toward Aktau, Kazakhstan. GPS navigation systems were jammed throughout the sea route, severely compromising safe navigation.
British aviation safety leader Osprey Flight Solutions confirmed the downing assessment, warning clients that "Azerbaijan Airlines flight was likely shot down by Russian air defense", as reported by Associated Press.
Casualties:
– 25 Azerbaijani citizens
– 7 Russian citizens
– 6 Kazakh citizens
– Three Kyrgyz citizens survived
By 15:45 Moscow time on December 26, ten victims were identified: four Azerbaijanis, three Russians, and three Kazakhs.
Official responses reflect diplomatic sensitivity. Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev cited "weather deterioration" for route changes, emphasizing need for full investigation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov avoided detailed comment. Kazakhstan's Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev called early conclusions "speculative".
Post-crash videos show clear anti-aircraft missile impact marks on the aircraft's rear fuselage.
On December 26, Russian Emergency Ministry evacuated nine Russian survivors to Moscow. Azerbaijan declared national mourning, with memorial ceremonies in Baku airport. The international investigation continues amid concerns over diplomatic implications.
Photo: snob.ru