An Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft, tragically en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, 2024. A total of 67 individuals were aboard the Embraer 190 aircraft, comprising 62 passengers and 5 crew members. Reports indicate 38 fatalities, with 29 survivors, some critically injured.
The flight, designated J2-8243, departed from Baku at 7:55 AM local time and initially encountered no issues. Yet, within ten minutes of taking off, the aircraft, facing severe weather conditions, sought to divert to Aktau airport approximately three kilometers from the city. Eyewitness accounts sugget the plane began exhibiting emergency maneuvers after reportedly experiencing control system failures due to a bird strike.
Eyewitness reports indicate the ill-fated flight displayed erratic behavior prior to its crash, oscillations left and right as crew members attempted to regain control and align for landing. The plane crashed at 10:28 AM, approximately three miles northwest of Aktau’s airport. Video evidence showed the aircraft making several attempts to stabilize, nearly colliding with the Caspian Sea before impacting the ground at high speed.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, 29 people have been hospitalized following the incident. Among the injured are 15 Azerbaijani nationals, 9 Russians, 2 Kyrgyz citizens, and the status of 3 people is yet to be confirmed.
The crash has stirred deep emotions both locally and internationally. Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev declared December 26 as a National Day of Mourning. He also ordered investigations, stating, "The information provided to me is...due to worsening weather conditions and headed to Aktau airport, where it crashed upon landing.” His flight to St. Petersburg for the CIS heads of state summit was redirected back to Azerbaijan upon learning of the tragic event.
Kazakhstan also responded swiftly, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev forming a special commission led by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev to investigate the accident. He confirmed the distressing death toll, stating, "The situation is not very good, 38 dead,” during a meeting with Azerbaijani officials. The investigation aims to ascertain the cause of the crash, amid speculations surrounding the bird strike and control system failures.
The Organization of Turkic States also expressed their condolences, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to the nations of all the countries impacted by this tragic event." Their message conveyed sympathy to the families of those who perished as well as those affected overall by this disaster.
While rescue teams worked fervently on the ground, community members gathered across Kazakhstan to memorialize the victims, placing flowers at various tribute locations—a powerful collective expression of grief and solidarity for the affected families.
Entering the new year, Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights on Baku-Grozny and Baku-Makhachkala routes until investigations conclude. Other operational routes, meanwhile, continue as scheduled.
Public communications from Azerbaijan Airlines indicate they are maintaining contact with families of those on board and have established support hotlines as rescue efforts continue. Updated reports suggest fluctuates around the number of survivors, oscillated between 28 and 32 survivors initially reported, highlighting the chaos and confusion surrounding the event.
With the investigation still active, both Azerbaijani and Kazakh authorities are working diligently to shed light on this disaster. Preceding this event, the aircraft had been reported operationally sound, having previously flown on various routes without issues. These revelations add another layer of urgency to safety protocols within the airline industry.
With investigations underway and many mourning, the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 serves as sobering reminder of the inherent dangers associated with air travel. Families and communities are left to grapple with their loss, and the entire aviation industry holds its breath, awaiting the outcome of the inquiries.
