Following a crash of a Baku-to-Grozny flight, Azerbaijan Airlines has temporarily halted flights to ten Russian airports. The airline attributes the Embraer 190 crash (flight J2-8243) to external physical and technical interference, citing preliminary investigation findings and safety concerns. This suspension, effective December 28th, aligns with the Azerbaijan State Civil Aviation Authority’s directives and will continue until the investigation concludes.

Initial reports suggest a possible connection to a Russian missile strike. The airline previously reported 67 people were on board, with only 29 surviving the incident.

Early investigation findings, according to sources, indicate the aircraft may have been hit by a Russian anti-aircraft missile, or its fragments. Another source familiar with the investigation alleges a Russian Pantsir-S air defense system was responsible, with electronic warfare systems disrupting communications during the aircraft’s approach. This source added that while accidental, Azerbaijan anticipates a Russian acknowledgement of the incident.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been contacted for comment.