AZAL plane crash near Aktau: Efforts to conceal the truth A surge of Russian propaganda insinuations

The events surrounding the Azerbaijani Airlines (AZAL) plane crash near Aktau have become mired in an increasing wave of baseless speculation and blatant distortions of the facts. Recently, we published a commentary on the transcript of conversations between Azerbaijani pilots and air traffic controllers from Grozny, Rostov-on-Don, and Aktau. In this commentary, we aimed to present the facts clearly and without emotional bias. However, despite our efforts, the Russian media’s disinformation campaigns against the Azerbaijani side’s just position have only intensified in recent days.

We know for sure that such an aggressive and intense wave of attacks and accusations on social media and in the media did not arise by chance. It is a planned campaign. Fabricated versions, replacing facts with speculation, insults, and slander, pursue a single goal — to distort and obscure the cause of the tragedy. This process is coordinated by influential state structures, such as the Federal Security Service.

Russian media don't hesitate to even threaten Azerbaijan, promising to expel labour migrants from the country, presenting themselves in an even more absurd light. But that's not all. Some devious minds have even gone so far as to claim that “U.S. and Ukrainian intelligence agencies spent over six months carefully preparing the intentionally dangerous situation with the Azerbaijani Airlines plane.” Allegedly, on the day of the crash, a NATO reconnaissance aircraft was operating in the Caspian area, acting as a spotter. “Everything was precisely planned and calculated so that during the attack by Ukrainian UAVs, the Russian Armed Forces shot down the plane with the ‘Pantsir’ system, installed in the Visaitovsky district after the recent Ukrainian assault on the building of the ‘Akhmat’ special forces,” they write.

They cross the line of what is permissible, insulting Azerbaijan, its president, and its people. In the context of the war with Ukraine, any opinion that does not align with Russia's official position is immediately subjected to harsh and widespread condemnation. This once again proves that the insults aimed at Azerbaijan do not occur without the sanction of those in power. We understand perfectly well that if it were otherwise, such attacks would have been firmly stopped long ago.

It gives the impression that Russia is intentionally alienating even the few rare states that still show respect towards it. Moscow, meanwhile, seems oblivious to the fact that, in reality, it has been in a state of international isolation for several years. Yes, following the tragedy involving the AZAL plane, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev rightfully and publicly called for an apology, a thorough investigation into the crash, punishment for those responsible, and compensation for the victims. And he had every right to make such demands. Moreover, seeking justice is not only our right but also our duty to honour the memory of the deceased and their families.

But what do we see in response? Insults, slander, and frantic attempts to obscure the core issue. However, to each such attack, we will respond with facts, refusing to stoop to the level of those attempting to manipulate the narrative. Rather than relying on empty statements and insults, it is far more productive to address the key question: why were fragments of a "Pantsir" air defence missile system found among the wreckage of the plane? Silence on this matter seems like an admission, and the insults serve as a sign of weakness, an indirect acknowledgement of guilt.

Let’s return to the leaked transcript of the crew’s communications with air traffic controllers. However, we will not rely solely on this document — the Azerbaijani side has other facts at its disposal. It is already confirmed that, as the AZAL aircraft approached Grozny airport, both GPS signals were lost. The crew repeatedly noted navigation issues in their radio transmissions and informed the Grozny controller of these problems. This cannot be considered a mere “coincidence,” especially since the loss of GPS meant the crew had to rely entirely on ground radio beacons and radar. Under these conditions, the aircraft twice failed to safely land at Grozny. The captain, assessing the situation as too risky, made the decision to return to Baku.

Before the planned landing in the city of Grozny, the pilots received a message from the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), which informed them about bird migration in the landing zone.

Note: ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) is an automated service that provides prerecorded voice messages for aircraft crews. These messages are regularly updated and contain up-to-date information about weather conditions, runway status, restrictions, bird activity, and other essential details needed for safe takeoffs and landings.

After the aircraft began its diversion to the alternate airport (in this case, the return route to Baku), a sound of an external impact was recorded, followed by a sharp activation of the system’s alarms.

The transcript indicates serious communication issues with the Grozny tower, especially after the external impact. These issues are reflected both in technical malfunctions (poor signal quality) and in delays and interruptions in communication, as well as a lack of substantive responses to the questions posed.

But the most important fact known is that fragments of the "Pantsir" air defence system were found not only in the fuselage of the aircraft but also in the body of one of the surviving passengers.

Call for accountability

Azerbaijan has always been a proponent of adhering to ethical norms in bilateral relations. Therefore, the dirty propaganda of Soviet-style and cheap shows from Russia cannot be adequately perceived. The Azerbaijani public expects an objective investigation from Moscow, punishment for the guilty, and compensation for the victims. The lies about a tragedy in which people lost their lives are an abomination that cannot be justified.

We will continue to publish objective data as it comes in and monitor the developments.