Russia Warns UK of Retaliatory Measures Over Aeroflot Sanctions

The Federal Air Transport Agency has notified British aviation authorities about the necessity to adhere to the terms of the air service agreement, warning that Moscow may apply mirror measures following sanctions against Aeroflot.

On Thursday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated in Parliament that due to the situation in Ukraine, London is banning Aeroflot's operations in the United Kingdom and is imposing sanctions against certain enterprises of the Russian defense industrial complex.

“A notice has been sent to the UK aviation authorities regarding the need to uphold the provisions of the air services agreement. The Russian side reserves the right to apply mirror measures in accordance with the provisions of the intergovernmental agreement to ensure compliance with the principle of reciprocity and to provide equal rights for designated carriers,” the Russian statement read.

The Federal Air Transport Agency noted that on February 25 alone, British airlines were supposed to carry out 70 transit flights through Russian airspace, as well as two flights on the London-Moscow route.