Russia’s RIA news agency reported an emergency landing by a Utair flight at Moscow Vnakovo International Airport on 7 January 2025. No casualties were reported from this incident. Consecutive incidents associated with the same aircraft model in two months bring attention to aircraft checkups and maintenance.
Emergency Landing due to Parts Malfunction
On Tuesday 7 January 2025, Utair flight number 881 from Saint Petersberg, Russia to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, made an emergency landing at Vnavoko Airport in Moscow.
The emergency landing was a response to a malfunction in the plane’s stabiliser. All 173 passengers on board were safe, as reported by the news agency.
Both Vnakovo International Airport and Utair have not made further comments regarding the incident.
Potential Safety Concerns
The aircraft in this incident is a Boeing 737-800. It is reportedly the same model as the aircraft in the recent tragedy at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The model is common for short-haul flights and low-cost airlines, with over 5000 in service. Incidents related to the same aircraft model in two consecutive months highlight the importance of aircraft checkups and maintenance.
As Western sanctions prevail for Russia, it is feared that a shortage in plane parts will hinder maintenance in Russian airlines.
As Russian air travel boomed with the economic growth from Russia’s war effort, pressure increased with the soaring demand for air travel. A shortage of planes also increases pressure on existing aircraft in the region.
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