Azerbaijan Airlines has taken the decision to suspend flights to eight additional Russian airports following a flight from Baku, Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russia that crashed due to physical and technical external interference. Reports suggest that the incident may have been caused by a Russian anti-aircraft missile. As a result, flights from Baku to eight Russian airports have been suspended since December 28, in addition to the prior suspension of flights to two other Russian airports. The decision was made in accordance with the Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Authority based on the preliminary results of the investigation, citing potential risks to flight safety.
Following the crash, the airline initially suspended flights to Grozny and Makhachkala. The aircraft was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members, of which only 29 survived. Preliminary results of Azerbaijan’s probe suggest that the aircraft was struck by a Russian anti-aircraft missile or shrapnel from such a missile. Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Information and Press of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment, but has not received a response. A source familiar with the investigation stated that the aircraft was hit by a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system, which caused electronic warfare systems to paralyze communications on the aircraft’s approach to Grozny.
The incident has raised speculation and concerns over what exactly happened that led to the crash. While no one is claiming that it was done on purpose, Baku is expecting the Russian side to acknowledge that the Azerbaijani aircraft was shot down. The source noted that the established facts point towards Russian involvement in the crash. The situation remains unclear, and further investigation is needed to determine the exact cause of the tragedy. The airline has emphasized the importance of ensuring flight safety and will continue the suspension of flights until the final investigation is completed.
The decision to suspend flights to additional Russian airports has been made in order to mitigate any potential safety risks and to address the preliminary findings of the investigation. The incident has sparked discussions and tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia as both countries work to uncover the truth behind the crash. With conflicting reports and allegations, it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome. The impact of the suspension of flights on travel and transportation between Azerbaijan and Russia is significant, and efforts are being made to address the situation and ensure the safety of passengers.
The incident has highlighted the importance of transparency and cooperation between countries in situations involving air travel safety. The need for accurate and timely information is crucial in helping prevent similar incidents in the future and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to address any potential threats to flight safety. The outcome of the investigation will provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the crash and may lead to changes in aviation regulations or protocols to enhance safety standards. As the investigation continues, both Azerbaijan and Russia are working to determine the cause of the crash and take steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
