Russia’s aviation troubles continue as two passenger planes suffered mid-air technical failures on February 19, forcing emergency landings.
Both aircraft had issues with their wing control systems, adding to a growing list of similar incidents this year, according to The Moscow Times.
The first incident involved a NordStar Airlines Boeing 737-800, carrying 157 people from Krasnoyarsk to Norilsk. About 90 minutes into the flight, an alarm signaled a possible cabin depressurization, forcing the pilots to descend and continue at a lower altitude.
The plane landed safely in Norilsk at 7:05 AM local time, with all 156 passengers, including eight children, unharmed.
Later reports revealed that the aircraft also had a flaps malfunction, which affected its ability to land smoothly. The plane had to circle for over an hour to burn fuel before touching down.
The second emergency happened in the afternoon when a Sukhoi Superjet flying from Moscow to Nizhnekamsk had to turn back to Sheremetyevo Airport due to a problem with its wing control sensors. The plane landed safely, but the incident raised further concerns about Russia’s airline safety.
Ongoing Issues with Russian Airlines
These incidents are part of a worrying trend. Earlier in February, an Aeroflot Boeing 777-300 flying from Phuket to Moscow made an emergency landing in Bangkok due to a technical issue.
Around the same time, an Azimuth Airlines Sukhoi Superjet had to make an emergency landing in St. Petersburg after its warning systems detected engine problems.
Since the start of 2025, at least 11 similar incidents have been reported.
Experts say the rising number of plane malfunctions is due to Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With limited access to spare parts and maintenance services from major manufacturers, Russian airlines have been forced to rely on outdated equipment and makeshift repairs.
By the end of 2024, Russia recorded 208 aviation incidents—a 30% increase compared to the previous year and the highest number in six years.
