Azerbaijan rejects Chechen offer of aid following fatal Aktau plane crash Statement by Presidential Administration

The Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has firmly rejected an offer of assistance from Chechen authorities following the tragic crash of an AZAL flight on December 25. 

The Chechen government, led by Ramzan Kadyrov, had expressed willingness to provide both financial and other forms of aid to the families of victims and the injured.

However, Azerbaijan made it clear that it would not accept any such help, Caliber.Az reports citing local media. 

An official source from the Presidential Administration said, "Azerbaijan does not need any assistance. Neither the state nor its citizens will accept such help. We will continue to provide all necessary support to our citizens."

Azerbaijan’s response emphasized the country's demand for an official recognition of responsibility, an apology, and appropriate compensation following the crash, which occurred just 3 kilometres from Aktau airport. The ill-fated flight, Embraer 190, was en route from Baku to Grozny with 67 people aboard, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members.

The crash left 27 individuals hospitalized, with 15 Azerbaijanis, 8 Russians, and 3 Kyrgyz nationals among the injured. Tragically, both pilots and a flight attendant lost their lives in the crash, while two crew members survived.

On December 26, the bodies of 14 victims and the remains of four deceased were repatriated to Azerbaijan. Authorities have confirmed that the plane’s "black box" has been recovered, and investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing in line with international aviation standards. Final findings will be released once all necessary analyses are completed.

By Tamilla Hasanova