Russia’s aviation chief, Dmitry Yadrov, has stated that a Ukrainian drone attack was underway in the Russian region where an Azerbaijani airliner was originally destined before it diverted and crashed earlier this week. 

The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, en route from Baku to Grozny, the Chechen capital, changed course toward Kazakhstan and crashed during an attempted landing, killing 38 people and injuring all 29 survivors.

Azerbaijani lawmaker Rasim Musabekov and some aviation experts have suggested Russian air defenses may have been involved, though Yadrov did not address these claims. 

Azerbaijan Airlines blamed the crash on unspecified “physical and technical interference” and suspended flights to several Russian airports without elaborating further.

Survivors reported hearing loud noises on the plane over Grozny. Flight attendant Aydan Rahimli recounted, “After one loud noise, the oxygen masks automatically released.” Another crew member, Zulfugar Asadov, said the sounds seemed to come from outside the plane. 

Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s minister of digital development and transportation, said the aircraft suffered external damage while flying over Grozny. “The type of weapon used in the impact will be determined by investigators,” he told Azerbaijani media. 

Kazakhstan Reports 42 Feared Dead in Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash

Musabekov claimed the plane was fired on over Grozny and demanded an apology from Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment, stating, “The air incident is being investigated, and we don’t believe we have the right to make any assessments until conclusions are reached.” 

Yadrov noted the plane encountered heavy fog while attempting to land in Grozny, where Ukrainian drones were reportedly targeting the area, prompting airspace closure. After two failed landing attempts, the captain opted to divert to Aktau, Kazakhstan. “The situation in the area of Grozny airport was quite difficult,” Yadrov said. 

Experts have pointed to damage in the plane’s tail suggesting possible fire from Russian air defenses. Investigators from Azerbaijan are collaborating in Grozny. 

Azerbaijan Airlines and other carriers, including FlyDubai and El Al, have suspended or adjusted flights to Russian cities amid ongoing concerns about airspace safety.

Source: With inputs from wires