Kazakhstan vows to fast-track AZAL crash investigation amid rising diplomatic tensions
Kazakhstan has vowed to speed up its investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) crash near Aktau, as mounti...
Moscow’s major airports have experienced widespread flight delays and cancellations due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions, disrupting travel across Russia, Europe, and the Caucasus.
Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports were the most affected. Sheremetyevo reported 75 delayed flights, while Domodedovo recorded 37, including five cancellations. Vnukovo and Zhukovsky experienced 35 and nine delays respectively. The Russian Hydrometeorological Centre had issued a yellow weather warning for Moscow and the surrounding region, highlighting the risk of snow and ice.
Several flights connecting Russia to Azerbaijan were disrupted. An Aeroflot service from Baku was diverted to Saint Petersburg due to unsafe landing conditions in Moscow. Passengers were required to wait at the alternate airport until onward travel arrangements could be made. Additional flights from Baku and Ganja experienced delays as airlines coordinated with Moscow authorities to ensure passenger safety.
European and U.S. carriers, including Air France, British Airways, KLM, Finnair, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Vueling, were also impacted. Airports in New York, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Helsinki recorded hundreds of delays, highlighting the knock-on effect of Russia’s weather-related disruptions on international travel.
Airlines advised affected passengers to monitor flight updates, contact customer service for rebooking, and prepare for extended waiting times. Compensation may be available for delays or cancellations under Russian and European aviation regulations.
Moscow airport authorities have mobilised ground crews to clear runways and de-ice aircraft, prioritising passenger safety. Experts emphasised that the high volume of flights during the holiday period, combined with severe winter conditions, has exacerbated operational challenges.
Officials in Azerbaijan confirmed they are coordinating with Russian authorities to minimise disruption for travellers, particularly during the holiday season when demand is high. Passengers were advised to stay informed about flight status and alternative routes.
The Kremlin is utilising the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran to validate its ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian officials are pointing to the escalation in the Middle East as evidence that Western nations do not adhere to international rules.
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco closed its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday following an Iranian drone strike, an industry source told Reuters as Tehran retaliated across the Gulf after a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian targets over the weekend.
The Middle East crisis intensifies after the deadly attack on the compound of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei on Saturday that killed him, other family members and senior figures. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. targets in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. military has enough stockpiled weapons to fight wars "forever"; in a social media post late on Monday. The remarks came hours before conflict in Iran and the Middle East entered its fourth day.
Türkiye raised its security level for Turkish-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to Level 3 on Sunday (2 March). The development follows Iranian restrictions on shipping after U.S. and Israeli strikes and confirmation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death.
Strikes across the Middle East are intensifying, fuelling travel disruption, driving up global energy prices and forcing diplomatic missions to shut their doors as tensions continue to rise.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States has a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions and is capable of sustaining military action indefinitely, as the conflict with Iran entered its fourth day.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into a deadly attack on a girls’ primary school in Iran, which Iranian officials say has killed more than 100 children. The U.S. has said its forces “would not” deliberately target a school.
U.S. first lady, Melania Trump chaired a UN Security Council meeting on children and education in conflict on Monday (2 March), a move criticised by Iran as hypocritical following U.S. and Israeli strikes that triggered a UN warning about risks to children.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 3rd of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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