Russia says it will prevent major civil aviation disruption after Ukraine drone warning
Russia said it was working with security agencies to prevent significant disruption to civil aviation after Ukraine warned that Russian airspace was unsafe.
Moscow, Russia. Russia said on Wednesday it would seek to prevent any major disruption to civil aviation after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that Ukrainian drones had made Russian airspace dangerous.
Ukraine said it had notified the International Civil Aviation Organization that Russian airspace was not safe, while flight data showed disruptions at Moscow’s main airport.
Ukraine issues warning
Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that the presence of Ukrainian drones responding to Russian attacks meant that “the war started by Russia is closing its own skies”.
He warned airlines and insurance firms about the risks but said Ukraine was not targeting civil aviation.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Wednesday that Ukraine had officially notified the International Civil Aviation Organization that Russian airspace was unsafe.
Russia cites safety measures
Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said authorities were continually improving flight safety and airport security requirements.
“We are working in close contact with the Ministry of Defence and the Russian National Guard,” Nikitin was quoted by Interfax as saying. “And I believe that we will not allow any significant disruption to civil aviation.”
European and US carriers do not fly over Russia because of the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian airspace is still used by airlines from countries including China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states.
Airlines adjust operations
Flightradar24 data showed disruptions at Moscow’s main airport on Wednesday, while some airlines cancelled flights without specifying the reason.
flydubai said it was closely monitoring the evolving situation and would adjust flight schedules and routes as necessary.
The airline said delays and diversions could occur as its teams assessed operational requirements, adding that customer and crew safety remained its highest priority.
Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines said it had cancelled some flights to Russia for “technical and operational” reasons, without providing further details.
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