Fire on Azimuth Airlines plane at Antalya Airport: Passengers demand accountability
Massive fire broke out in the left engine part of the Russian-Antalya flight during landing and passengers and crew members were evacuated in Antalya, Türkiye, Nov. 25, 2024. (AA Photo)
An Azimuth Airlines flight from Sochi to Antalya experienced an emergency landing on Nov. 24, followed by a fire after fuel leaked from the aircraft.
The Sukhoi Superjet 100-95LR caught fire shortly after touchdown, alarming passengers. No injuries were reported and Antalya Airport resumed normal operations after addressing the incident.
Azimuth Airlines passenger accounts highlight safety concerns
Passenger Alina Yadzhak, who was traveling with her 14-year-old son, described the moments of the emergency landing. “The landing was abrupt, and we felt a jolt when the plane hit the ground. Then fuel began leaking, and a fire broke out,” she stated.
Despite the severity of the situation, passengers reported a lack of immediate announcements or clear instructions regarding the fire.
I think that the majority (passengers of the flight) will agree that it is necessary to sue Azimut; of course, we will sue. We almost died yesterday, almost burned alive with our child. Definitely we will demand compensation because, first, our lives—my child and me—were at risk.
“People started taking hand luggage, standing in the aisle. My son and I were sitting in row 15 out of 20, and we just ran, pushed through to push those who were taking hand luggage; it was pandemonium. We went down the inflatable ramp and were met by the airport staff.
We ran out into the field; we were not appropriately dressed; we were running into the field to get farther away from the plane so it wouldn’t explode. There were people with children in the field. My son gave someone a jacket to keep the person warm.
We didn’t sleep all night; I now don’t know how to fly airplanes further or how to forget this… No one apologized, no one said that something egregious had happened, and whether we could help in any way, no such phrases were uttered. Today, the only thing they said was, ‘We will bring your luggage.
We arrived at the airport (after the evacuation); it felt like another flight; no one approached us. There were no Russian speakers. Half an hour later, while we came to our senses, we walked around the airport and sat waiting for baggage claims, but the scoreboard didn’t work. Half of the people left; half stayed at the airport.
Passenger Alina Yadzhak
Russian authorities launch investigation
Russian aviation authorities and the Southern Transport Prosecutor’s Office have initiated investigations into the incident to evaluate compliance with aviation safety regulations.
In parallel, Azimuth Airlines deployed a replacement aircraft to transport stranded passengers back to Sochi.
Passengers plan legal action against airline
Several passengers expressed dissatisfaction with the airline’s handling of the emergency and are considering legal action. “We nearly died. My son and I faced a life-threatening situation, yet no one apologized or explained what happened,” Yadzhak said, adding that her belongings were affected by the kerosene smell from the fire.
Assistance for affected Russian nationals
The Russian Consulate in Antalya coordinated with Turkish authorities to assist 10 Russian nationals who lost their passports during the incident.
Efforts to reissue documents and provide support are ongoing, with a 24/7 hotline established for affected passengers.
