Kazakhstan is set to complete its investigation into the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft near Aktau by the end of 2025. The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev during a briefing in Astana.
Bozumbayev stated that the final report is nearing completion. “Our Ministry of Transport is working intensively, with international experts from various countries participating. Some of the equipment remains abroad for examination and will be returned soon. The analysis stage is coming to an end, and we are moving on to preparing the final report,” he said. “The final report will be available in a few months; the truth will be clear by the end of the year, and all requirements will be met to the letter.”
He also emphasized that it is too early to determine the cause of the damage to the aircraft. “These questions must be answered by explosive ordnance disposal experts, and that work is being carried out by law enforcement agencies,” he added.
The Embraer 190 aircraft, which was en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau on December 25, 2024, after the crew reported damage to the fuselage and attempted an emergency landing. Of the 67 people on board, 38 died. The crash sparked an international controversy, with Baku accusing Russian air defense forces of striking the aircraft, an allegation Moscow has denied. Kazakhstan, as the country where the crash occurred, is conducting the investigation as a neutral party.
Bozumbayev confirmed that Kazakhstani experts have submitted formal requests to several countries whose weapons may match the damaging elements identified in the fuselage.
Among the victims were six Kazakh citizens. Despite this, Astana is refraining from issuing official claims against any foreign states. In contrast, Azerbaijan has announced its intention to seek compensation through international legal channels.
