After a fresh wave of airspace restrictions from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, eyes turned to the European Union. Discussions of a formal bloc-wide ban on Russian air traffic were expected as part of fresh sanctions in the wake of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The European Union already banned exports of aviation equipment and spare parts to Russia, potentially grounding much of Aeroflot’s majority Airbus fleet.
Following an announcement that the United Kingdom would be banning Aeroflot from operating in its airspace, European countries began enacting their own restrictions on Russian carriers. The resulting tit-for-tat bans have seen Russia’s air travel closed off to most of the European Union.
Before the enactment of this afternoon’s bans, Twitter users had noted some of the already strange routes Aeroflot has taken to reach the western edge of the continent.
The following governments began implementing restrictions before the formal EU ban:
Austria
Flag carrier, Austrian Airlines, announced it would be canceling flights to Russia and will be avoiding Russian airspace for at least seven days starting 26 February.
Belgium
Starting 27 February, Russian carriers became banned from Belgian airspace. Regarding the decision, First Minister, Alexander De Croo, commented;
Bulgaria, Czechia, and Poland
Bulgaria, Czechia, and Poland were some of the first EU nations to close their airspace to Russia, starting at midnight on 26 February. Subsequently, flights from all three nations were banned by the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport later that day. Aeroflot has canceled services to Prague and Warsaw until 28 March.
Denmark and Sweden
Both countries prepared to close to Russian air traffic as of 27 February, reciprocal closures would not impact SAS. The Danish government has stated that they would support an EU-wide ban.
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia
Air traffic was closed to Russia on 26 February, with a reciprocated ban from Russia on 27 February. Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, urged other EU nations to follow on Twitter.
Finland
The decision to close Finland’s air border to Russia was confirmed by Minister of Transportation and Communications, Timo Harakka, in a tweet on 26 February. Concerns have been raised By Finnair, who in a statement for Reuters has warned that a parallel closure to Finnish air traffic would bring their Asian operations to a standstill.
France
Being one of the latest countries to join the airspace ban, France announced a closure of its skies to Russian planes to be enforced from this evening. Confirmed by Transport Minister, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, who emphasized the importance of European unity against the invasion of Ukraine.
Germany
Starting 27 February from 15:00 UTC, Germany imposed a three-month ban on Russian air traffic.
Hungary
Hungary-based carrier Wizz Air has announced that it suspended flights to Russia for at least a week starting 27 February.
Iceland
Airspace closed from 27 February.
Ireland
Airspace closed from 27 February.
Italy
Airspace closed from 27 February at 14:00 UTC.
Luxembourg
Airspace closed from 27 February.
Malta
Airspace closed from 27 February.
Netherlands
Carrier KLM suspended flights to Russia on 26 February, diverting two whilst en route. Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Mark Harbers, announced that the Netherlands will close their airspace in the evening of 27 February, commenting:
“There is no room in Dutch airspace for a regime that applies unnecessary and brutal violence.”
Portugal
Airspace closed from 27 February.
Romania
Airspace closed from 26 February.
Spain
Airspace closed from 27 February.
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EU-wide ban
This late afternoon, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the EU is prohibiting Russian aviation activity over its airspace.
Russian flights and planes registered or controlled by entities in the country won’t be able to fly across, land, or depart in EU member countries. The EU added that extra measures are in place, including the banning of major Russian media outlets.
Overall, this move is the latest in a series of major twists following the invasion of Ukraine. There will undoubtedly be plenty more updates to come in the coming days.
