Azerbaijan’s AZAL Halts Russian Routes After E190 Crash

AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines has suspended flights from Baku Heydar Aliev International to Grozny and Makhachkala following the crash of an Embraer E190 en route to Grozny. The airline announced the suspension via the state press agency Azertag, stating the routes would remain paused pending the outcome of an investigation.

The Grozny route, typically operated twice weekly with E190s, and the Makhachkala service, flown four times weekly with Airbus A319-100 and A320-200 aircraft, are AZAL’s only destinations in Russia’s North Caucasian Federal District. However, the airline continues operations to its 12 other destinations in Russia.

The crashed E190, registered as 4K-AZ65 (msn 19000630) and owned by AZAL, was a 16.7-year-old aircraft. The incident occurred on the morning of December 25, 2024, near Aktau airport in Kazakhstan, where the flight had diverted. Initial reports confirm 29 survivors among the 67 people on board.

Flightradar24 ADS-B data indicates the aircraft experienced erratic altitude fluctuations for at least 20 minutes before the crash. Early images from the scene, reviewed by aviation sources, show exterior hull damage. Local authorities and AZAL have launched investigations into the accident, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

The suspension of these routes underscores AZAL’s commitment to passenger safety as the airline works with authorities to determine the cause of the crash and implement necessary measures.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com