EU Aviation Safety Agency Warns Against Flying in Western Russia Airspace

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a new alert warning non-European carriers not to fly within western Russia airspace due to the risk of being unintentionally targeted by Russian air-defense systems.

Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, has denounced the alert as a new imposition of sanctions on Russian companies and an attempt to allow Western airlines to win back lost markets.

EASA said the crash last month in Kazakhstan of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane, after Russian air defenses fired against Ukrainian drones, demonstrated the high risk at play. At least 38 people died in the crash.

“The ongoing conflict following the Russian invasion of Ukraine poses the risk of civil aircraft being unintentionally targeted in the airspace of the Russian Federation due to possible civil-military coordination deficiencies, and the potential for misidentification,” EASA said.

“EASA recommends not to operate within the affected airspace of the Russian Federation located west of longitude 60° East at all altitudes and flight levels.”

The warning was for third-country operators authorized by EASA, given that Russian airspace has been closed to European Union airlines since the bloc imposed Ukraine-related sanctions targeting Russia’s aviation sector.

0:36
Azerbaijani president blames Russia for fatal Kazakhstan plane crash

A statement issued on Friday by Rosaviatsiya said air safety was its highest priority and the recommendation was unwarranted.

Trending Now

Canada Workers Benefit goes out Friday. How much will you get?
Loblaw apologizes after underweighted meat sold in Western Canada stores

Get daily National news

Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

“This recommendation is nothing more than a continuation of the policy of sanctions by Western countries on the Russian Federation’s aviation industry,” it wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

EASA, it said, was trying to secure a reduction in the number of flights by Asian carriers to EU destinations using the Trans-Siberian route.

“EASA, through this recommendation, is simply trying to recover its lost competitive advantage for its companies,” it said.

Conclusion

The EASA’s warning highlights the ongoing risks associated with flying in western Russia airspace, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While Rosaviatsiya has denied the recommendation, the EASA’s alert serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing air safety in the region.

FAQs

Q: Why has the EASA issued a warning about flying in western Russia airspace?
A: The EASA has issued a warning due to the risk of being unintentionally targeted by Russian air-defense systems.

Q: What is the scope of the warning?
A: The warning applies to third-country operators authorized by EASA, and recommends not to operate within the affected airspace of the Russian Federation located west of longitude 60° East at all altitudes and flight levels.

Q: Has Rosaviatsiya responded to the warning?
A: Yes, Rosaviatsiya has denied the recommendation, stating that air safety is its highest priority and the recommendation is unwarranted.