Russian Su-30 fighter ends flight with emergency landing at Atyrau airport

A Russian Sukhoi Su-30 multirole fighter jet made an unscheduled landing at Khiyaz Dospanova International Airport in western Kazakhstan. 

The incident occurred on the morning of February 20. Preliminary information indicated that the aircraft was piloted by Dmitry Nifantiev, a Russian citizen born in 1986 and originally from Beloretsk in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The jet had reportedly been conducting a military training flight over the Caspian Sea at the time, Caliber.Az reports per Kazakh media. 

During the flight, the pilot is said to have lost his bearings, prompting a decision to carry out an emergency landing at the airport in Atyrau.

Airport officials reported that the landing was completed safely and without incident. There was no disruption to civilian air traffic, no risk to passengers, and regular flights continued to operate according to schedule. The fighter jet remained at the airport for a short period, and the pilot received medical assistance as a precautionary measure.

After completing the required procedures and obtaining the necessary clearances, the aircraft departed Kazakhstan and returned to Russia.

By Sabina Mammadli