Haber Global: Why wasn't AZAL plane allowed to land at Russian airports?

On December 25, an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger plane crashed while operating a Baku-Grozny flight. The incident left many questions unanswered, Report informs via Turkish TV channel Haber Global.

The report claims that Russia is behind the incident, raising many questions: An AZAL plane with 67 passengers departed from Baku to Grozny on December 25. However, approaching the Chechen capital, it unexpectedly changed course toward the Kazakhstani city of Aktau.

The plane crashed during an emergency landing attempt. According to Azerbaijani officials, Russian missiles caused the crash. When the plane entered Russian airspace, it was hit by Russia's Pantsir-S air defense system, which was attempting to shoot down Ukrainian drones. The launched missile exploded near the plane, and shrapnel damaged the fuselage, leaving large and small holes.

The pilots issued a distress signal and requested an emergency landing, but permission to land at two Russian airports was denied. Instead, the plane was directed to the more distant Aktau airport across the Caspian Sea. The report notes that these details may indicate deliberate intent: "Experts believe there may have been forces interested in having the plane crash into the Caspian Sea, as this would help Russia hide evidence. The Russian civil aviation statement claiming the plane allegedly hit birds also raises questions. This statement was presumably made hastily to divert attention from possible Russian missile involvement."

The report emphasizes that other questions remain unanswered: "Why wasn't Chechnya's airspace closed to civilian aircraft at that time? Why weren't flights at Grozny airport suspended? These questions point to serious oversights. What happens next? Azerbaijan expects official apologies from Russia, acknowledging responsibility, whether intentional or accidental. Punishment is also demanded for those responsible for the tragedy that claimed 39 lives. After the Aktau crash, warnings about airspace safety continue to be issued."