Ashgabat: Turkmenistan Airlines has announced the suspension of its flights between Ashgabat and Moscow from December 30 to January 31. The state-owned airline's decision comes in the wake of heightened safety concerns following a recent aviation disaster.

According to Anadolu Agency, Turkmenistan Airlines has not provided specific reasons for the suspension but assured passengers that refunds would be available. The cancellation of flights between the Turkmen and Russian capitals coincides with a broader trend of airlines reevaluating routes to Russia after a tragic Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan last week.

The Azerbaijan Airlines flight, traveling from Baku to Grozny in Russia's Chechen Republic, crashed near Aktau on the Caspian Sea coast. Kazakh authorities reported that the crash of the Embraer 190 aircraft resulted in 38 fatalities out of 67 passengers on board. Investigations are ongoing, with initial statements suggesting a bird collision as a possible cause. However, footage from the crash site showing large holes in the aircraft's tail has fueled speculation of a potential attack.

Senior Azerbaijani officials have reportedly confirmed to Anadolu Agency that a Russian missile system was responsible for the crash. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin extended apologies and condolences to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during a phone conversation on Saturday.

The temporary suspension of flights by Turkmenistan Airlines highlights the broader impact of the tragic incident on regional air travel and underscores ongoing safety concerns. As investigations continue, airlines are reassessing the safety of routes involving Russian airspace.