Ukraine Officially Warns Airlines of Flight Dangers in Russian Airspace

Ukraine has officially informed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that Russian airspace is unsafe for civilian flights due to increased military activity. This was announced by Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrey Sybiha.

“We urge everyone to avoid that airspace,” Sybiha said, emphasizing that Kyiv aims to prevent potential unforeseen incidents.

The official warning came a day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's announcement. He cautioned airlines, insurance companies, and businesses using major Russian airports that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous amid the backdrop of expanded Ukrainian long-range drone operations.

Hours after Zelensky's statement, several flights between Turkey and Moscow were canceled or redirected. Pegasus Airlines canceled 12 flights to and from Moscow's Vnukovo Airport, while Turkish Airlines suspended four flights.

At the same time, several major international airlines, including Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air India, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, continue to operate flights to and through Russia.