Several European countries have banned Russian airlines from their airspace as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In addition, Reuters reported that according to an EU official, a European-wide ban for Russian airlines could be part of an additional package of sanctions on Moscow to be discussed on Sunday by the EU’s Foreign Ministers.
On February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine, following the President of Russia’s order, who called the invasion in Ukraine a “special military operation” following months of escalating tensions.
Neighbouring Countries Support Ukraine, Halt Russian Airlines From Their Airspace
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Moldova imposed a ban on Russia’s airlines.
Poland’s decision was confirmed by the Prime Minister, Mateusz Morawiecki. “I have ordered the preparation of a resolution that will lead to the closure of the airspace over Poland to Russian airlines,” he pointed out in this regard.
Romania and Moldova have also imposed restrictions on Russian airlines.
Baltic Countries Unanimously Decide to Impose a Ban on Russian Airlines
The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have banned Russian airlines from their airspace, according to authorities in these countries calling other states to take similar measures.
“We invite all EU countries to do the same. There is no place for planes of the aggressor state in democratic skies. StandWithUkraine,” Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas pointed out in this regard.
Latvia’s government joined Lithuania and Estonia to close its airspace in coordination with both of its neighbouring countries.
“Lithuania is joining Latvia and Estonia in banning Russian aircraft from its airspace,” Lithuanian Transport Minister Marius Skuodis pointed out in this regard.
Nordic Countries Also Impose Bans on Russian Airlines
Finland, Denmark, and Sweden have also unfolded their plans to close their airspace to Russian air traffic due to the current situation in Ukraine.
In addition, authorities in Germany also announced they would close their airspace to Russia’s aircraft due to the Russian military action in Ukraine.
According to the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure of Germany, Transport Minister Volker Wissing “supports the blocking of German airspace for Russian aircraft” and had also “ordered everything to be prepared for this”.
Besides, German airline Lufthansa cancelled the upcoming flights to Russia, stressing that “flights that are in Russian airspace would “leave it again shortly”, according to RT.
Besides the countries mentioned above, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia also banned Russian airlines from their airspace.
Russia also took similar measures, banning from entering Russian airspace flights from airlines in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, among others.
