Azerbaijan Airlines crash/ Russian airspace safety/ Embraer 190 crash investigation/ flight suspensions Russia/ drone attack airspace risks/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights to additional Russian cities following the crash of an Embraer 190 that killed 38 people and injured 29. Aviation experts suggest the plane may have been struck by Russian air defense fire during a Ukrainian drone attack near Grozny. The airline cited “physical and technical interference” and potential safety risks as reasons for suspending flights to cities such as Mineralnye Vody and Sochi. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, with Azerbaijani and Russian officials cooperating.
Azerbaijan Airlines Suspends Russian Routes: Quick Looks
- Crash Details:
- The Embraer 190, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan.
- Preliminary findings suggest the plane was hit by Russian air defense fire.
- Flight Suspensions:
- Flights to Grozny, Makhachkala, Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, and Samara are suspended.
- Flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Kazan continue despite past drone attacks on these cities.
- Global Impact:
- Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air and Israel’s El Al have also suspended flights to Russian destinations.
Azerbaijan Airlines Halts Flights to Russian Cities After Deadly Crash
Deep Look
Crash Investigation Updates
The crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 near Aktau, Kazakhstan, has led to international scrutiny. The aircraft, initially en route from Baku to Grozny, diverted and crashed under unclear circumstances. Aviation experts point to visible holes in the tail section that align with damage from surface-to-air missile shrapnel.
The crash occurred amid a reported Ukrainian drone attack on Grozny, Chechnya’s capital. Russia has used GPS jamming extensively to combat drones, which may have interfered with the flight’s navigation.
FlightRadar24 reported “strong GPS jamming” affecting the plane before its descent, raising further concerns about Russian airspace safety.
Azerbaijan Airlines Responds
In response to the incident, Azerbaijan Airlines suspended flights to multiple Russian cities, citing potential safety risks. The airline’s statement referenced “physical and technical interference” in the crash. Flights to Grozny, Makhachkala, Mineralnye Vody, Sochi, Volgograd, Ufa, and Samara have been suspended indefinitely.
Regional and International Fallout
Other airlines have taken similar precautions. Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air suspended its Astana-Yekaterinburg route for a month. Israel’s El Al temporarily halted flights from Tel Aviv to Moscow, citing evolving risks in Russian airspace.
Official Comments and Blame
Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov accused Russian air defenses of firing on the plane near Grozny, demanding an apology and compensation. The Kremlin declined to comment, stating that conclusions should wait for the investigation’s results.
Investigators from Azerbaijan are in Grozny to cooperate on the probe. However, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Azerbaijan have avoided making definitive statements about the crash’s cause.
Safety Concerns for Air Travel in Russia
The incident highlights growing risks in Russian airspace amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Ukrainian drones have increasingly targeted cities in Russia’s North Caucasus and other regions, creating hazards for civilian aviation.
Key Stats
- Fatalities: 38
- Survivors: 29, all injured
- Suspended Routes: 7 Russian cities, including Grozny and Sochi
- Continued Operations: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan
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