This Saturday, a tragic event shook the world of aviation. Indeed, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight ended in disaster after entering Russian airspace in Grozny, Chechnya. Although an apology was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he did not admit any responsibility on the part of Russia in this incident.
According to information relayed by the Kremlin, Russian air defense systems were active when the plane attempted to land in Grozny. Unable to reach the airport, the plane was forced to divert east, eventually crashing near Aktau, Kazakhstan, causing the death of 38 people on board. Among the survivors were two children, while passengers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were also on board.
The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear. However, a US official told CNN that initial indications suggest that a Russian anti-aircraft system may have shot down the flight. Despite this, Putin has not confirmed that Russian air defenses hit the plane.
In a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, President Putin apologized for the tragedy that occurred in Russian airspace. The Kremlin also mentioned that the plane had repeatedly attempted to land at Grozny airport, while the cities of Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian drones, which were repelled by Russian air defense systems.
A probe has been opened by the Russian Investigative Committee to shed light on the tragedy. Images and videos of the plane after the crash show holes in its fuselage, suggesting damage from shrapnel or debris. The cause of the holes has yet to be confirmed.
CNN aviation analyst Miles O’Brien said the shape of the holes suggests “an explosion near the tail of the aircraft.” A US official noted that the holes in the side of the plane are consistent with shrapnel damage from an explosion.
President Aliyev informed Putin that the plane had suffered “external physical and technical interference” in Russian territory, leading to a complete loss of control. Examinations were conducted of the holes in the plane’s fuselage, injuries to passengers and crew caused by “foreign particles entering the cabin in mid-flight,” and testimonies from survivors.
Amid emotion and mourning, world leaders sent their condolences. Putin offered his condolences to Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for clear explanations from Russia, highlighting visual evidence of the damage to the plane.
As investigations continue, several airlines have decided to temporarily suspend flights to certain areas of Russia, citing security concerns. This tragic event has raised many questions and calls for transparency from the authorities to shed full light on this case that is grieving families of several nationalities.