All four of Moscow’s airports have been temporarily closed down, according to Russia’s aviation watchdog.
The airport in Kaluga, which is 160km southwest of Moscow, has also been closed.
“Aircraft crews, air traffic controllers and airport services are taking all necessary measures to ensure flight safety,” Rosaviatsia said in a statement.
No reason has been given.
Azerbaijan Airlines flight downed by Russia – Reuters reports
Reuters news agency is reporting the Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed in Kazakhstan yesterday was downed by a Russian air defence system.
The report cites four unnamed sources in Azerbaijan.
We reported earlier that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said an investigation is under way and it is wrong to speculate before it gives its conclusions – see our 9.23am post.
Almost 40 people were killed in the crash, which happened near the city of Aktau.
Euronews reported this afternoon that Azerbaijani government sources confirmed a missile was fired during drone activity above Grozny, where the flight was headed.
Shrapnel hit the plane as the missile exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight, Euronews said.
The flight was diverted from an area of Russia that Moscow has recently defended from Ukrainian attacks.
Leave a Reply