AZAL crash inquiry enters critical research stage, Kazakh official confirms

Kazakh Transport Minister Marat Karabayev has provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft near Aktau.

Speaking to Kazakh media, Karabayev outlined the procedural progress of the inquiry, which is being led by Kazakhstan, Caliber.Az reports.

“Any investigation features several stages. The first stage is the collection of relevant materials. It has been completed. The second stage is the study of the collected materials. Now we are at the research stage. This phase involves close collaboration with international experts, including representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). As part of these efforts, Kazakh investigators have conducted site visits to Baku, Grozny, and Rostov-on-Don,” Karabayev noted.

To recall, the fatal incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when the AZAL flight en route from Baku to Grozny crashed a few kilometres from Aktau. On board were 62 passengers from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, alongside five crew members. The disaster claimed 38 lives, including six Kazakh nationals, while 29 individuals survived, among them two flight attendants.

Authorities continue to meticulously examine all available evidence in order to determine the cause of the crash and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

By Vafa Guliyeva