Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev stated that the investigation into the crash of the AZAL aircraft near Aktau has entered its final stage.
Modern.az reports that Bozumbayev stated this in a statement to journalists.
He noted that the process is continuing in parallel, covering both criminal and technical aspects.
According to Bozumbayev, the criminal case is being conducted by the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan. The agency is in constant contact with Russian investigative bodies. “There is also certain progress there. Statements by the leaders of the neighboring country confirm this,” he emphasized.
The technical investigation is being carried out by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan. The Ministry is currently awaiting final opinions from the license holders of the technology and aviation devices used in the aircraft:
“In fact, we can finalize the results for the Ministry of Transport this year or early next year,” Bozumbayev stated during his speech in parliament.
The Deputy Prime Minister said he hopes that both the technical and criminal investigations will be concluded in 2026.
It should be recalled that on December 25 of last year, an AZAL passenger aircraft crashed near Aktau. There were 62 passengers and 5 crew members on board. Of these, 37 were citizens of Azerbaijan, 16 of Russia, 6 of Kazakhstan, and 3 of Kyrgyzstan. As a result of the tragedy, 38 people died, and 29 people survived, including three children.
The cause of the incident was reported to be a missile launched by the Russian Air Defense Forces. The issue was also discussed a few months ago at a meeting between Ilham Aliyev and Putin in Dushanbe.
Vladimir Putin stated at that meeting that a legal assessment would be given to the causes of the crash and the actions of those responsible. According to him, Russia will do everything in its power both in the investigation process and in matters of compensation: “Time is needed to put a definitive end to this incident.”
Currently, both Azerbaijan and the countries of the region are awaiting the final report of the investigation.
