Ukraine and the airlines

British Airways had the dubious privilege of probably being the first airline to be banned from using Russia’s airspace and with it effectively closing operations at the country’s airports. 

Following Russia's announcement of a UK ban Virgin Atlantic also said flight paths had been adjusted for some of its services between the UK, Pakistan and India. Flight times on these routes will be extended by between 15min and an hour.

The measure was part of sanctions introduced following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told ITV: "I think that's their retaliation for us (yesterday) banning Aeroflot from using and landing in the United Kingdom. That's their tit for tat response".

Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia said that the measure was taken "as a response to unfriendly decisions by the UK aviation authorities regarding the restriction on regular flights of aircraft owned, leased or operated by a person associated with Russia or registered in Russia".

British Airways said in a statement that it was notifying customers on cancelled services and would offer full refunds.

"We apologise for the inconvenience but this is clearly a matter beyond our control", the airline said.

British Airways normally operates three flights per week each way between London and Moscow.

Amongst other countries’ operations Poland said on Friday that it plans to close its airspace to Russian airlines. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki wrote on Facebook: "I have ordered the preparation of a resolution of the council of ministers which will lead to the closure of the airspace over Poland to Russian airlines", according to Reuters.

Yesterday the EU confirmed that Russian registered aircraft were banned from its airspace, including private jets.

See also Manchester United and Aeroflot and Aeroflot's flights in this week’s BTN.

www.ba.com

www.aeroflot.com/ru-en

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