Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 Crashes in Russia: All 48 On Board Killed
A passenger Antonov An-24 aircraft operated by regional carrier Angara Airlines crashed on Thursday in Russia’s Far East, resulting in a tragic loss: all 48 occupants were confirmed dead, according to regional authorities and official sources.
The Crash: No Survivors in a Remote Area
The aircraft, built in 1976 and nearly 50 years old, was operating a flight between the city of Blagoveshchensk and Tynda, a remote town and key railway hub in the Amur region, near the Chinese border. The plane disappeared from radar while preparing to land. Shortly after, its burning fuselage was spotted by a helicopter in a densely forested area with no roads or easy access.
More than 100 rescuers had to carve a path using heavy machinery to reach the crash site, located on a hillside about 15 kilometers from Tynda, according to the Interfax agency citing emergency services.
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Official Response: Condolences, Mourning, and an Ongoing Investigation
Regional governor Vasily Orlov confirmed there were no survivors and declared three days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast. “I regret to inform that, according to preliminary data, there are no survivors of the An-24 crash in Tynda district. Rescuers have reached the crash site,” he stated in an official communiqué.
The prosecutor’s office has opened a criminal case for suspected violation of air traffic and transport safety regulations resulting in death by negligence. The federal emergency management commission has been activated, and Russian President Vladimir Putin was immediately informed. Chinese President Xi Jinping also sent his condolences, as at least one Chinese national was reportedly on board.
Antonov An-24: A Relic Still in Operation
Irkutsk-based Angara Airlines is among the few regional carriers still operating the An-24. According to the aviation portal RussianPlanes, the airline has 10 units in service, manufactured between 1972 and 1976. These aircraft are prized for their durability in extreme conditions, ability to operate without paved runways, and reliability in subarctic climates.
However, keeping them operational has become increasingly costly. Western sanctions imposed on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine have made it difficult to source spare parts and have limited investment in aircraft maintenance.
Future of Russian Regional Aviation: Uncertainty and Challenges
Despite the growing risks, the Antonov An-24 continues to serve vital routes in the country’s most isolated regions. A lack of viable alternatives has forced airlines to request government extensions on the service life of these aging aircraft, as mass production of the Ladoga—the intended replacement—is not expected to begin before 2027 at the earliest.
This situation underscores the fragility of Russia’s aviation infrastructure and the pressing need to renew its regional fleet. The tragedy may prompt political decisions regarding the future of domestic flights in the country’s most remote areas.
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