One year on, families of Azerbaijan Airlines crash victims still await justice Report by Euronews

Survivors and relatives of victims of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 people are continuing their quest for justice as the first anniversary of the disaster approaches, with the investigation still unresolved, Euronews reports.

On 25 December 2024, Flight 8432 operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, the country’s leading carrier, crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan while travelling from Baku to the Russian city of Grozny. The disaster claimed the lives of 38 people and left 29 others injured.

Subsequent findings revealed that a Russian air defence missile detonated near the aircraft while it was flying over Grozny, inflicting critical damage that ultimately led to the crash. The Kremlin initially denied any involvement after reports first emerged linking the missile strike to the incident.

The crash marked the deadliest aviation disaster in Azerbaijan Airlines’ history. Investigators and aviation experts later noted that the actions of the flight’s two pilots, both of whom were killed, prevented an even greater loss of life.

Among the survivors is Zulfugar Asadov, a veteran flight attendant with 36 years of experience who now works as an inspector. He regularly visits a memorial dedicated to colleagues who lost their lives in the crash, where photographs of the victims are displayed.

“Recently, we visited the city of Aktau and went to the site of the incident. I was deeply affected when I saw those places. It felt as though I was reliving the events of that day,” Asadov said.

“This accident left a deep mark on my life. I realised more clearly how valuable human life is. My perspective on many things has changed – what once seemed ordinary now feels far more important.”

Recalling the final moments before the crash, Asadov said his professional training played a crucial role in how he responded during the emergency.

“The emergency training we received as flight attendants, along with the ability to act properly under stress, helped me remain calm,” he said. “I tried to put my emotions aside and focused on being as helpful as I could.”

For families of those who died, the passage of time has brought little closure. Hamlet Ismayilov lost his 38-year-old son, Ismayil, in the crash and continues to press for accountability.

“Videos appeared on YouTube and other sources suggest that this plane was shot down intentionally,” Ismayilov said.

“A year has passed since the incident, and we believe that those responsible will soon be identified and brought to justice. The relatives of the victims, as well as those who survived, continue to wait for justice to prevail.”

Ismayilov also recounted how he learned of his son’s death, describing the moment as both sudden and devastating.

“When I was washing the car, the car washer told me that our plane crashed in Kazakhstan. I didn’t pay much attention to it, but it stayed in my mind,” he said. “Later, I went to his wife Leyla’s house and saw people gathered there. They told me that Ismayil had been in the crash and had died.”

Reflecting on his son’s life, Ismayilov described him as a warm and deeply caring person whose loss was felt far beyond the immediate family.

“He was a very open-hearted person who valued his family members and friends. Everyone who knew me, and who knew my son’s family, called and messaged me after the accident.”

By Tamilla Hasanova