Russia Announces Suspension of International Flights

The Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia has advised Russian airlines to suspend international flights starting March 6, against the backdrop of mass aircraft seizures abroad. This was reported on Saturday, March 5, by Interfax.

Rosaviatsiya recommends that Russian airlines, which have aircraft registered under leasing agreements with foreign companies, temporarily cease the transportation of passengers and cargo from foreign countries to Russia from 00:00 Moscow time until March 3, 2022. The agency’s statement noted that this directive is a "necessity due to the confinement or the high risk of seizing Russian airlines’ aircraft abroad".

The restrictions do not apply to airlines operating foreign- or Russian-registered aircraft, "and there is no risk of their seizure or confiscation". Additionally, the restrictions do not impact foreign airlines that have not joined the sanctions and have not limited air traffic to the Russian Federation.

Nearly all civil aviation equipment belonging to Russian airlines is registered abroad, mainly in Bermuda. Russian-made aircraft, including the Superjet 100, primarily operated within the territory of the Russian Federation even before the imposition of sanctions.

Domestic airline flights continue without restrictions within the territory of the Russian Federation, according to the Federal Air Transport Agency.