An Azerbaijani Embraer 190 airliner carrying 67 people crashed near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau yesterday, 25th December, 2024, resulting in 38 fatalities and 29 survivors, according to Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbaev, as reported by the Russian news agency Interfax.
The flight, operated by Azerbaijan Airlines, was en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, when it was diverted due to deteriorating weather conditions. The aircraft attempted an emergency landing approximately three kilometers (1.8 miles) from Aktau but crashed upon descent.
Addressing reporters, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev cautioned against premature speculation on the cause of the crash, stating, “The information provided to me is that the plane changed its course between Baku and Grozny due to worsening weather conditions and headed to Aktau airport, where it crashed upon landing.” 
Possible Causes
Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, indicated that a bird strike likely caused an onboard emergency, leading the pilots to divert to Aktau.
Meanwhile, flight-tracking service FlightRadar24 revealed that the aircraft had experienced “strong GPS jamming,” which caused errors in its transmitted data.
Russia has been accused in the past of GPS signal interference in the region, though no direct link has been confirmed.
FlightRadar24 data showed the aircraft making erratic altitude changes and a steep descent before it impacted the ground. Video footage circulating online captured the moment of the crash, showing a fiery descent followed by the wreckage lying upside down, with part of its fuselage separated from the wings.
Passenger Details
The flight carried 42 Azerbaijani citizens, 16 Russians, six Kazakhs, and three Kyrgyzstan nationals, according to Kazakh officials. Initial reports from Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general’s office listed 32 survivors, though subsequent updates confirmed 29 survivors.
Videos shared on social media depicted survivors pulling passengers away from the wreckage, showcasing acts of bravery amidst the devastation.
Investigation Underway
Authorities in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have launched investigations to determine the exact causes of the crash. While bird strikes remain a leading theory, the impact of potential GPS interference will also be examined.
The crash has drawn international attention, highlighting concerns about aviation safety in regions prone to GPS jamming and other disruptions.
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