Downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243: A Year Later

IHR
Dec 25, 2025
3 min read

Read the full report on the downing of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243. Detailed insights into the 2024 incident near Aktau, the international investigation findings, Russia's admission of fault, and the ongoing quest for justice and compensation.

Incident Overview

On December 25, 2024, Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. The Embraer 190 was en route from Baku to Grozny but diverted after an emergency in Russian airspace. The investigation found that the aircraft had been struck by a Russian air-defense missile.

Timeline of Events (Dec 2024 – Dec 2025)

Dec 25, 2024: Flight 8243 crashed. Initial reports suggested a bird strike, but survivors reported an explosion. Azerbaijan started an emergency commission.
Dec 26, 2024: Evidence indicated an external attack by Russian air defenses. The crash occurred during Russian activity against Ukrainian drones over Chechnya. Azerbaijan did not allow the CIS Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) to lead the inquiry.
Dec 27, 2024: Azerbaijan reported physical and technical external interference. Analysts believed a missile strike damaged the jet’s systems. Azerbaijani officials claimed Russia denied the pilots' request to land at Russian airports.
Dec 28, 2024: Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the tragic incident.
Dec 29, 2024: President Aliyev confirmed Russia shot down the plane and demanded an apology, punishment, and compensation.

Early January 2025: Aliyev blamed Russian air defense forces. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid Russian airspace due to the risk of accidental shoot-downs.

Late January 2025: A Russian investigation confirmed the plane was shot down by a missile.

Feb 4, 2025: Kazakhstan’s report stated the crash was likely crashed due to the penetration of ‘external objects’ into the aircraft’s structure.” It documented shrapnel damage.

Spring 2025: Aliyev canceled a visit to Moscow, citing Russia’s failure to investigate properly.

July 2025: Leaked documents claimed a Russian officer received orders to fire on a target. Aliyev announced plans for an international lawsuit against Russia.

Oct 9, 2025: Putin admitted a Russian air-defense missile caused the crash and pledged compensation.

Late 2025: The formal investigation had not yet published a final report.

Investigation Progress and Findings

Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan started separate investigations. Azerbaijan included Turkish aviation experts and coordinated with Embraer. Azerbaijan did not delegate the probe to the IAC. Kazakhstan’s report confirmed external objects caused the crash. Investigators said the damage matched a missile warhead. The cause was a missile strike.

Identified Cause of the Downing

The crash was due to a Russian air-defense unit firing a missile at the plane. The missile exploded near the aircraft, causing extensive damage. The pilots attempted an emergency landing, but the aircraft broke apart. Russian forces were on alert due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Electronic warfare jamming was also used. The downing was a military error, not a technical malfunction.

Compensation for Victims’ Families

Azerbaijan Airlines offered initial payments to victims' families. Insurance covered the hull loss and provided payments to families. The Azerbaijani government sought compensation from Russia. Russia promised compensation.

Accountability and Legal Repercussions

A criminal case was opened in Russia. Azerbaijan opened its own case and threatened an international lawsuit. Aliyev demanded an admission of guilt, punishment, and compensation.

Diplomatic Fallout between Azerbaijan and Russia

The incident strained relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. There was less political trust. Aliyev did not attend Moscow’s Victory Day parade. The countries had allied interaction undermined. Putin admitted fault in October.

Zakharova said that Russia has addressed all questions about the AZAL plane crash.

Russia anticipates the Kazakh commission to soon finish its probe into the Azerbaijani AZAL aircraft incident. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative mentioned during a briefing that all problems about this tragedy will be solved together.

The diplomat stated: "We expect the Kazakh commission to wrap up its investigation soon, and together we'll address all outstanding questions related to this sad event. No one should doubt this."

She added that Russian aviation authorities have responded to all requests from Kazakhstan regarding the Azerbaijani AZAL plane incident in December 2024.

Zakharova stressed: "The international investigation into the disaster's circumstances is being handled by a special commission from the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan. Russia is working closely with them and offering all needed help. Russian aviation authorities have answered all questions from their Kazakh colleagues."