Next week reveals preliminary investigation results concerning the AZAL plane crash close to Aktau
The investigation into the tragic Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash near Aktau, which occurred on December 25, 2024, is nearing its conclusion. The latest updates indicate that Kazakhstan is making significant progress in determining the cause of the incident.
During a government briefing on January 24, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev announced that the Ministry of Transport is collaborating intensively with international experts, including aviation and explosive ordnance specialists from several countries. The team includes Kazakh experts, representatives from aircraft manufacturer Embraer, Brazil’s air incident investigation agency CENIPA, and specialists from various nations.
The investigation has been conducted according to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The focus of the technical assessment is on forensic examination of the damage to the aircraft's fuselage, which is suspected to involve explosive elements. Requests have been sent to foreign states for information regarding weapon types that might match the damage found on the aircraft.
A ballistic and explosive-technical examination is currently underway to clarify the origin of the damage. The preliminary results from this investigation are expected to be announced next week, although the exact date has not been specified.
Regarding the criminal case, Kazakhstan is leading the official investigation, maintaining control over forensic activities. Direct involvement of Russian and Azerbaijani law enforcement experts has been excluded due to legal restrictions. Azerbaijan, however, intends to pursue compensation claims through international legal channels but has committed to keeping the ongoing technical investigation free from politics.
In a show of support, burial expenses, travel to the crash site, and other related costs have been covered by the akimats (cities' and regions' administrations). Next week, financial support to the families through sponsorship funds is also planned. The Deputy Prime Minister, Kanat Bozumbayev, stated that families of the victims will receive five million tenge (US$9,615) each.
The location of the AZAL plane crash near Aktau has not been specified in the article. The investigation, which has involved approximately 17-18 experts from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and ICAO representatives, aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash that resulted in 38 fatalities out of 67 on board. The final report is expected by the end of 2025.
[1] Kazinform. (2025). AZAL plane crash: Preliminary results expected next week. Retrieved from https://www.kazinform.kz/ru/news/2025-01-24/222307869 [2] The Astana Times. (2025). Map: Location of AZAL plane crash near Aktau. Retrieved from https://astanatimes.com/2025/01/map-location-of-azal-plane-crash-near-aktau/ [3] TASS. (2025). Kazakhstan intensifies investigation into AZAL plane crash. Retrieved from https://tass.ru/en/world/1419168 [4] Reuters. (2025). Kazakhstan says AZAL plane crash likely caused by explosive elements. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/kazakhstan-says-azal-plane-crash-likely-caused-explosive-elements-2025-01-24/ [5] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. (2025). Kazakhstan Investigates AZAL Plane Crash Amid Tensions With Russia, Azerbaijan. Retrieved from https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-azal-plane-crash-investigation/31721981.html
During the government briefing, Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev announced that the Ministry of Transport is working closely with international experts, including aviation and explosive ordnance specialists, in the investigation of the AZAL plane crash near Aktau. This extensive team includes representatives from various nations, including Kazakh experts, aircraft manufacturer Embraer, CENIPA, and specialists from several countries.
The preliminary results from the explosive-technical examination are expected to be announced next week, while the final report is expected by the end of 2025. The investigation, which is being conducted according to ICAO standards, has been focusing on the forensic examination of the damage to the aircraft's fuselage, suspected to involve explosive elements.
