Passenger Plane Disappears in Russia’s Far East, Massive Search Operation Underway
Tynda, Russia – July 24, 2025 — A major search and rescue operation is underway in Russia’s Far East after a passenger aircraft operated by Siberian airline Angara vanished from radar while approaching the city of Tynda in the Amur region, near the Chinese border.
The missing aircraft, an Antonov An-24 turboprop, was carrying 49 people onboard — 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members — when it lost contact with air traffic controllers on Thursday afternoon. The aircraft was en route to Tynda from Irkutsk, according to regional officials.
Amur Region Governor Vasily Orlov confirmed the disappearance via his official Telegram channel, stating that “all necessary forces and resources have been mobilized in the search for the plane.” Emergency responders, including multiple helicopter units, drones, and ground search teams, have been deployed to comb the heavily forested and mountainous terrain of the Amur region, known for its challenging landscape and limited accessibility.
No Distress Signal, Weather a Possible Factor
According to preliminary reports, the aircraft failed to issue a distress signal before losing communication, raising concerns about a sudden technical failure or unexpected encounter with severe weather. Authorities are now examining meteorological data from the area, which has seen fluctuating weather patterns in recent days, including dense fog, rain, and strong winds.
The Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia (Rosaviatsia) has launched an official investigation into the incident. Specialists from the agency are collaborating with aviation experts to determine possible causes behind the aircraft’s disappearance.
Aging Aircraft Under Scrutiny
The An-24, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft developed during the Soviet era, is widely used for short regional flights across Russia’s remote regions. While considered a workhorse for such routes, the model has been involved in several accidents over the years, often triggering renewed calls for modernization of Russia’s regional air fleet.
Angara Airlines, based in Irkutsk, operates a fleet that includes both An-24 and An-26 aircraft. The airline, which primarily services remote and rural destinations in Siberia and the Russian Far East, has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
Families Await News, Crisis Center Established
Local residents and relatives of passengers have gathered at Tynda Airport, anxiously awaiting updates. A crisis response center has been set up in Tynda to provide information, psychological support, and logistical assistance to the families of those onboard.
“This is a deeply worrying situation. We hope for a swift and safe resolution,” said a representative from the Amur Region’s Emergency Situations Ministry. The public has been urged to refrain from spreading unverified information and to follow official channels for updates.
History of Aviation Challenges in the Far East
Russia’s Far East has a long-standing reputation for challenging aviation conditions due to its vast distances, rugged geography, and unpredictable weather. While air travel remains a vital lifeline for many remote communities, concerns have frequently been raised over the safety of older aircraft models still in service.
This incident adds to a series of aviation safety concerns in the region, further intensifying scrutiny of operational standards and aircraft maintenance practices.
Ongoing Efforts and Contact Information
Search operations continue as daylight permits, with authorities expanding their search radius based on the last known coordinates of the aircraft. Rescue units are also prepared to work through the night using thermal imaging and other tracking technologies.
For ongoing updates and official statements, citizens are encouraged to follow the Telegram channel of Governor Vasily Orlov or contact Amur Region Emergency Services.
