Week of turbulence: 6 aviation incidents mark end of 2024

A series of aviation incidents have marred the end of the year, raising concerns about global air safety. In the final days of December 2024, the aviation industry faced six alarming incidents across countries including Kazakhstan, South Korea, Canada, Norway, and the UAE. DEC. 25: AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 8243 CRASHES IN KAZAKHSTAN Azerbaijani officials later claimed the plane was hit by a Russian surface-to-air missile, with President Aliyev stating it was damaged by ground fire and electronic warfare over Russian territory, demanding an apology from Moscow and compensation for the victims. DEC. 29: JEJU AIR FLIGHT 2216 CRASH LANDING IN SOUTH KOREA Investigators are focusing on a possible bird strike near the airport, located in a migratory bird habitat, as a contributing factor. A US FAA team and Boeing officials are assisting in the probe, which may require sending the damaged flight data recorder to the US for analysis. DEC. 29: AIR CANADA EXPRESS FLIGHT 2259 SKIDS DOWN RUNWAY WITH FLAMES IN CANADA The plane skidded down the runway with flames and sparks visible from one wing. Passenger accounts described the plane tilting and skidding during the landing. Emergency crews responded swiftly, and flights at the airport were briefly suspended. DEC. 29: KLM FLIGHT 1204 EMERGENCY LANDING IN NORWAY The pilots diverted to Sandefjord Torp Airport in Norway, where the plane skidded off the runway into a grassy area during an emergency landing. DEC. 29: UAE PLANE CRASH OFF RAS AL-KHAIMAH COAST DEC. 30: JEJU AIR FLIGHT 7C101 EMERGENCY LANDING