Next week's reveal of the initial insights into the Aktau airplane crash involving AZAL.
The investigation into the AZAL plane crash near Aktau, Kazakhstan, is still ongoing according to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The preliminary results of the investigation are expected to be announced next week.
The criminal case opened following the tragic incident remains active. The investigation involves approximately 17-18 experts from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and ICAO representatives. Kazakhstan’s commission is led by Deputy Prime Minister Qanat Bozymbaev and includes the Kazakh Ministry of Emergency Situations. Azerbaijan’s commission is headed by Prime Minister Ali Asadov and includes civil aviation experts from Turkey.
Burial expenses, travel to the crash site, and other related costs have been covered by the akimats (cities' and regions' administrations). Deputy Prime Minister Bozumbayev recently announced that families of the victims will receive five million tenge (US$9,615) each. Next week, financial support to these families will be provided through sponsorship funds.
Regarding the ballistic and explosive-technical examination, Azerbaijani sources, supported by the president’s statements, assert that the plane was critically damaged by a ground-based missile strike, specifically implicating Russian Pantsir-S1 missile systems with spent missile boosters found near the crash site. Azerbaijani journalists have surfaced recordings alleging orders to open fire on the aircraft. However, detailed technical forensic results have not been officially released due to the ongoing and confidential nature of the pre-trial investigation.
Our security forces are working closely in the investigation, but no further details about the number of casualties or the cause of the crash have been provided. The map of the AZAL plane crash location was designed by The Astana Times.
Amid these claims, Azerbaijan is preparing international legal action against Russia, citing lack of cooperation and transparency in the investigation. This reflects the current status as of late July 2025 with no full disclosure of forensic results pending the completion of the investigation.
[1] Kazinform. (2025, July). Azerbaijan to Sue Russia Over AZAL Plane Crash. Retrieved from https://www.kazinform.kz/20250722/10754097 [2] Reuters. (2025, July). Azerbaijan Rejects Russian-Led Probe into Plane Crash. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/azerbaijan-rejects-russian-led-probe-plane-crash-2025-07-22/ [3] The Guardian. (2025, July). Azerbaijan Plans Legal Action Against Russia Over Plane Crash. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/22/azerbaijan-plans-legal-action-against-russia-over-plane-crash [4] The New York Times. (2025, July). Azerbaijan Accuses Russia of Shooting Down Plane with Missile. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/22/world/europe/azerbaijan-russia-plane-crash.html [5] BBC News. (2025, July). Azerbaijan Alleges Recording of Russian Soldiers Ordering Plane Shootdown. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58387813
- Amidst the ongoing legal disputes and investigations, the finance sector may witness an increase in lawsuits related to the AZAL plane crash, with potential implications for the transportation and aviation industries.
- The tragic AZAL plane crash has become a general news topic, not only in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, but also globally, as countries like Russia and Turkey have been involved in the investigation process.
- The finance ministry might need to allocate resources for compensations in case of car-accidents, considering the rising uncertainty and potential retaliation in the aftermath of the AZAL plane crash, and the resulting geopolitical tensions with Russia.
