Kazakhstan: Authorities confirm 35 killed after Azerbaijan Airlines passenger aircraft crashed near Aktau Airport earlier Dec. 25 /update 2

Authorities have confirmed 35 people were killed and 32 survived after an Azerbaijan Airlines (J2) passenger aircraft, flight J2 8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, earlier Dec. 25. The aircraft was carrying 62 passengers and five crew. Those on board were primarily Azerbaijani nationals, but some were nationals from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The aircraft was flying from Baku in Azerbaijan to Grozny in Russia, but was rerouted towards Aktau due to heavy fog; there are reports the aircraft was also impacted by a bird strike.

Azerbaijan Airlines has canceled all flights between Baku Grozny, as well as to Makhachkala in Russia while they investigate the cause of the crash.