AviaSpotter on the AZAL plane disaster: the decision regarding the airfield was the responsibility of the Captain of the Aircraft (KVS).

The Telegram channel AviaSpotter commented on the crash of the AZAL airline plane, which was operating the Baku–Grozny flight and crashed on December 25. According to the author of the Telegram channel, the widely held belief that the plane was "sent to the sea to perish" is incorrect.

“The decision to choose a diversion airfield in this case lies with the aircraft commander (CAPT). No one on the ground could 'send' the plane at their own will or demand,” the channel's message states.

The author clarifies that the plane was likely shot down while over Russian territory. According to Article 59 of the Air Code of the Russian Federation, the commander is obligated to take all possible measures to preserve the lives of passengers, crew members, and property.

“Heroes, who independently assessed the air defense situation over Russian territory, took responsibility and decided to leave the airspace of a country engaged in combat operations,” the message emphasizes.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev previously stated the need to hold accountable those responsible for the AZAL plane crash, emphasizing that the blame for the tragedy lies with representatives of the Russian Federation.

“We demand justice, punishment for the guilty, full transparency, and humane behavior,” Aliyev declared, adding that the operation “carpet,” which closed the airspace in Grozny, was announced only after the plane was shot down.

The Embraer aircraft of AZAL crashed on December 25. There were 67 people on board, including 42 citizens of Azerbaijan, 16 citizens of Russia, 6 citizens of Kazakhstan, and 3 citizens of Kyrgyzstan. The tragedy claimed the lives of 38 individuals.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed condolences to Ilham Aliyev and Vladimir Putin, emphasizing support for the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Following the disaster, several airlines, including AZAL, Qazaq Air, Flydubai, and El Al, partially or fully canceled flights to Russia.