Azerbaijan Airlines

Azerbaijan Airlines generally maintains a good safety record. However, a significant incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, an Embraer 190, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan. The aircraft was severely damaged by a Russian surface-to-air missile near Grozny, Russia, while en route from Baku to Grozny, resulting in 38 fatalities out of 67 occupants. Other reported incidents include a loss of cabin pressure on a Boeing 757-200 in August 2023 and an engine shut down on a Boeing 757-200 in June 2015. An Airbus A320 also overran the runway at St. Petersburg in October 2025.

In terms of regulatory compliance, AZAL's aircraft fleet adheres to ICAO standards, and the airline is a member of IATA. It has received international certifications in 2024, including ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System). There is no specific mention of FAA compliance or its status on the EU safety list in the provided information.

As of April 2025, the average age of AZAL's fleet is 14 years. The airline has an ongoing fleet renewal program, with plans to receive new Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including Airbus A320neos and Boeing 787 Dreamliners, by 2032 to modernize its fleet and enhance operational efficiency. AZAL emphasizes that flight safety is its top priority, with all operations complying with manufacturer's requirements and international civil aviation standards. In November 2025, AZAL confirmed that it promptly addressed technical inspections and software updates for its Airbus A320 fleet in line with Airbus directives.

Overall, Azerbaijan Airlines has a generally positive safety reputation, backed by its adherence to ICAO standards and its Skytrax 4-Star rating, which includes an assessment of flight safety. The recent fatal incident, however, underscores ongoing challenges in regional aviation safety. The airline's commitment to fleet modernization and international certifications indicates a proactive approach to maintaining and improving safety standards. AZAL's flight safety video was also awarded a gold prize at "The New York Festivals TV & Film Awards". Furthermore, its hub, Heydar Aliyev International Airport, has achieved a prestigious 5-Star rating from Skytrax and has been recognized as the "Best Airport in Central Asia/CIS" for multiple consecutive years.