Passenger Jet Begins to Break Apart Mid-Flight, Forcing Emergency Landing in Russia

A Rossiya Airlines Sukhoi Superjet SJ-100 passenger jet was forced to make an emergency landing in Khabarovsk, Russia, on Saturday, November 15, after parts of the aircraft reportedly began to detach mid-flight.

According to The Moscow Times, the Russian-built SSJ100, operated by Rossiya Airlines, suffered the loss of sections of its external fuselage skin and engine panels while en route from Vladivostok to Blagoveshchensk with 90 passengers on board. The flight crew diverted the aircraft to Khabarovsk, where it landed safely without injuries reported.

According to the Khabarovsk Transport Prosecutor’s Office, the plane experienced a “technical malfunction” that prompted an immediate diversion to Khabarovsk Airport, where it landed safely at around 9:00 a.m. local time. Emergency services, including fire trucks and ambulances, were deployed to the scene, though no injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

Footage shared on the Svodka25 Telegram channel shows visible damage to one of the aircraft’s engines, where sections of the engine cowling appeared to have torn off mid-air. A passenger told the channel that the plane “suffered a skin tear” during the flight, while others described hearing loud noises before the crew initiated an emergency descent.

Following the landing, several passengers reportedly refused to continue their journey, while others waited for a replacement aircraft to arrive from Vladivostok. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has launched a preliminary probe into potential violations of air transport safety regulations, with investigators assessing the causes and circumstances surrounding the structural failure.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 (now re-branded as the SJ-100) is a Russian-built regional jet developed to serve the 75–100-seat market. Designed by Sukhoi Civil Aircraft (later reorganised under United Aircraft Corporation), it made its maiden flight on 19 May 2008 and entered commercial service with Armenian carrier Armavia on 21 April 2011.

The incident adds to mounting concerns over the state of Russia’s civil aviation industry, which faces increasing maintenance challenges due to sanctions and parts shortages. Earlier this year, Dmitry Yadrov, head of the Federal Air Transport Agency, warned that the country could lose up to one-third of its aircraft fleet and 200 helicopters by 2030, citing difficulties sourcing components for Western-built and Sukhoi Superjet aircraft.

Authorities are continuing their investigation, and Rossiya Airlines has not yet issued an official statement regarding the damaged jet or the specific aircraft type involved.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Svodka25, The Moscow Times