With the first anniversary approaching of the AZAL Embraer-190 crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijani lawmakers are urging full transparency from all sides involved in the investigation.
The aircraft, operating the Baku–Grozny route on December 25, 2024, went down shortly before landing. The crash claimed the lives of two crew members – the captain and first officer – the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev said the final investigation report would be delivered to Azerbaijan before the end of the year. The issue was also discussed during a meeting between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin in Dushanbe, where the Russian leader pledged full cooperation and a “comprehensive and objective” review of all causes and responsibilities.
“International rules must apply – Russia should not step aside”
Speaking to Pravda.az, Azerbaijani MP Elman Mammadov said the key issue is not apologies or partial insurance payments, but adherence to international aviation and legal standards:
“In interstate relations, these matters are governed by international conventions. Compensation and all related issues must be handled within that framework. Russia must not avoid this. President Putin is an official figure, and he must act according to his position and responsibility. Trying to step back or undermine international norms would not be appropriate for Russia or its leadership.”
Final report expected within days
Mammadov noted that with the one-year mark approaching, investigators must present their findings soon:
“There are only days left until the one-year deadline. The investigation should announce its final conclusion shortly. Let’s see what will be said. We must await the decision.”
