Kazakh Deputy PM Reveals New Details In Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash Probe

Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has shared new details regarding the investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash that occurred near the Kazakh city of Aktau.

Speaking to reporters, Bozumbayev said the Ministry of Transport is actively working on the case in collaboration with international experts, The Caspian Post reports per Kazakh media.

He emphasized that Kazakh specialists are gaining valuable experience through this joint effort.

“Some of the aircraft’s components are still undergoing examination abroad but will be returned shortly,” the deputy prime minister noted. “The analysis is nearing completion, and experts have moved on to preparing the final report. We ask for patience - the conclusions will be ready in a few months.”

Addressing speculation surrounding the incident, Bozumbayev cautioned against politicizing the investigation. He noted that determining the cause of the aircraft’s damage depends on ongoing technical explosive assessments led by law enforcement.

“As far as I know, investigators have contacted foreign countries where weapons with similar striking elements - like those found in the plane’s fuselage - have been used,” he said. “We anticipate that all necessary findings will be finalized by the end of the year.”

On December 25, 2024, a plane traveling from Baku to Grozny crashed near Kazakhstan’s Aktau city. According to initial reports from Kazakh authorities, the aircraft sustained damage from ground fire near Grozny, which led to loss of control and the subsequent crash.

The flight carried 62 passengers and 5 crew members, with 29 people surviving the crash. In recognition of their bravery, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan to two pilots and one flight attendant. Additionally, two other flight attendants received the "For Bravery" Order for their courageous actions during the tragedy.