Passenger plane with 43 onboard goes missing in Russia’s Far East; search underway

Authorities in Russia’s Far East have launched a search operation after losing contact with an An-24 passenger aircraft carrying nearly 50 people, according to the regional governor.

The aircraft, operated by Siberia-based Angara Airlines, disappeared from radar while approaching Tynda in the Amur region, which borders China, the local emergencies ministry said.

Preliminary reports suggest that 43 passengers — including five children — and six crew members were on board, Governor Vasily Orlov said in a Telegram post. He added that all available resources have been mobilised to locate the missing plane.

However, the emergencies ministry reported a slightly lower number, estimating around 40 people were on board.