A series of aviation incidents marred the end of the year and raised concerns about global air safety.
In the last days of December, the aviation industry faced alarming incidents in several countries, and Anadolu Timeline investigates the circumstances and potential causes of these worrying events.
– December 25: Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan –
An Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 en route from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 passengers and crew on board. Initial reports indicated a bird strike, but large holes in the plane’s tail raised suspicions of an attack.
Azerbaijani officials claim the plane was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile, and President Ilham Aliyev said the plane was damaged by ground fire and interference, demanding an apology from Moscow and compensation for the victims.
Russia expressed condolences but denied intent.
– December 29: Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea –
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan Airport after its front landing gear failed, killing 179 of the 181 passengers and crew on board in South Korea’s deadliest air disaster since 1997.
Investigators are focusing on a possible bird strike, as the airport is located near migratory bird habitat.
– December 29: Air Canada Express plane fire –
An Air Canada Express plane made an emergency landing at Halifax Airport after a landing gear failure. It skidded off the runway as flames and sparks erupted from its wings.
None of the 77 passengers and crew were injured.
– December 29: KLM plane makes emergency landing in Norway –
A Royal Dutch Airline (KLM) Boeing 737-800 en route from Oslo to Amsterdam with 176 passengers and six crew members on board experienced a hydraulic system failure shortly after takeoff.
It was diverted to Sandefjord Torp Airport in Norway, where it skidded off the runway and onto grass during an emergency landing. No one was injured.
– December 29: Plane crashes at Stuttgart Airport in Germany –
A Cessna C-172 crashed near the runway at Stuttgart Airport on Sunday afternoon, injuring two people and disrupting air traffic.
The pilot suffered minor injuries and a passenger suffered serious injuries.
– December 29: Plane crashes in UAE –
A light aircraft crashed off the coast of Ras al-Khaimah in the UAE, killing the pilot and co-pilot.
A day later, an Emirates flight to Incheon, South Korea, was diverted due to a snowstorm that disrupted regional air traffic and landed safely at an alternative airport.
– December 30: Jeju Air plane makes emergency landing –
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 carrying 161 passengers experienced a landing gear problem after taking off from Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. The pilot decided to return to Gimpo, where the plane landed safely. No one was injured.
These incidents have prompted global aviation authorities to launch comprehensive investigations to identify the causes, whether mechanical failure, human error or external factors such as weather and geopolitical tensions, AA writes.
