The crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight this week, claiming 38 lives and leaving 29 injured, has cast a shadow over an already tense backdrop of Russia-Ukraine hostilities.
Russian aviation chief Dmitry Yadrov revealed on Friday that Ukrainian drone activity in the region coincided with the crash of the flight en route from Baku to Grozny. The ill-fated plane, diverted due to heavy fog, was reportedly attacked while attempting an emergency landing in Aktau, Kazakhstan.
While Azerbaijan Airlines attributed the disaster to “physical and technical interference,” it stopped short of naming air defense systems or specific causes. The airline has since suspended flights to several Russian airports, further complicating air travel in the region.
Russian authorities have remained tight-lipped, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urging patience until official investigations are complete. Meanwhile, Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov accused Russia of mishandling the situation, suggesting the aircraft was hit over Grozny and calling for an apology.
Speculation about the crash has been fueled by visible damage to the aircraft’s tail section, which experts believe may be linked to Russian air defense attempts to counter Ukrainian drone strikes. Reports of intense GPS jamming in the area, documented by FlightRadar24, lend further weight to theories of active drone interception disrupting the flight.
The incident has rattled regional aviation. Azerbaijan Airlines expanded its flight suspensions, halting routes to several Russian cities, while Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air and FlyDubai followed suit with temporary cancellations. Israel’s El Al also suspended flights to Moscow, citing “developments in Russian airspace.”
Investigators from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are delving into the incident, but findings remain under wraps. As the probe unfolds, Yadrov emphasized the need to consider all contributing factors, underscoring the complexities of ensuring safe air travel amid the conflict and advanced defense systems in play.
This tragedy has not only deepened regional tensions but also spotlighted the growing risks for commercial aviation in contested airspace.
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