Envoy: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan work closely on AZAL plane crash probe

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are actively cooperating in investigating the causes of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash that occurred in December 2024 near Aktau, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aghalar Atamoghlanov said in an interview with The Astana Times.

The ambassador noted that a special state commission established by the Kazakh government is continuing its investigation into the causes of the crash. A preliminary report was published in January.

"At present, the relevant authorities of our two countries are working closely on this matter. Alongside our Kazakh colleagues, Azerbaijani specialists are also participating in the investigation. I would like to thank the Kazakh side for providing the necessary conditions during these difficult days for Azerbaijani specialists and medical personnel working in Aktau," he said.

According to him, the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 38 people, including six Kazakh citizens, demonstrated the deep solidarity between the two nations.

"This tragedy has left a deep mark on our hearts. But it has also brought us closer. Once again, the world has seen that we are brotherly nations—not just in words, but in actions. As the saying goes, ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed.’ We witnessed this firsthand here in Kazakhstan," Atamoghlanov emphasized.

The ambassador also acknowledged the efforts of the Kazakh government, emergency services, and local authorities in responding to the aftermath of the crash.

"After the plane crash, all relevant services in Kazakhstan responded immediately. We saw how efficiently they acted both during and after the disaster. Ordinary citizens lined up to donate blood. The leadership of Kazakhstan closely monitored the rescue efforts and took all necessary measures," he added.

The final report on the AZAL plane crash investigation in Aktau will be published by the end of this year in accordance with the Chicago Convention.

The AZAL passenger plane, operating a Baku-Grozny flight, crashed on December 25 near the city of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Out of 67 people on board, 38 died, and 29 survived.

According to preliminary data, the crash resulted from physical and technical external interference in Russian airspace.