Authorities in Russia have launched an urgent search operation after losing contact with a passenger aircraft carrying dozens of people in the country’s far eastern region on Thursday morning, according to official sources.
The missing plane, identified as an An-24 twin turboprop aircraft, was operated by Angara Airlines, a regional carrier based in Siberia.
The aircraft reportedly disappeared from radar while on final approach to Tynda, a town in the Amur region, which borders northeastern China.
Preliminary reports provided by Regional Governor Vasily Orlov indicated that the flight was carrying 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members, bringing the total onboard to 49. However, the local emergencies ministry gave a slightly lower figure, estimating around 40 individuals were onboard.
“All necessary forces and means have been deployed to search for the plane,” Governor Orlov stated on Telegram.
Emergency services have mobilized air and ground search teams, focusing efforts near Tynda and surrounding terrain. The region is known for its rugged landscape and low visibility, which could complicate rescue operations.
Regional Flight Operations and Safety Concerns
The Antonov An-24, introduced in the 1960s, remains in service with several carriers across Russia and the former Soviet states, often on short-haul routes in remote areas. While the aircraft type has been associated with reliable service, aging equipment and harsh weather conditions in Siberia pose ongoing challenges for regional aviation safety.
At the time of disappearance, weather conditions in the Amur region were reported to be moderate, though officials have not yet ruled out environmental or technical causes. No distress signal had been received prior to losing contact with air traffic control.