Russian Airspace Restrictions Affect US Carriers' Competitiveness, Says Russian Foreign Ministry

Russia supports the prompt restoration of direct air communication with the USA and is ready for a depoliticized dialogue without preconditions. This was stated by Alexander Gusakov, the Director of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to him, restoring direct flights between Russia and the USA has long been a pressing issue and would serve as a clear signal for normalizing bilateral dialogue and strengthening mutual trust. Gusakov emphasized that direct air communication would significantly facilitate travel for citizens of both countries, who currently have to spend time and resources on prolonged layovers (transits).

The Russian Foreign Ministry noted that normalizing air communication would primarily benefit the American aviation sector, which has suffered substantial losses due to restrictions imposed in 2022. Specifically, the ban on using Russian airspace has diminished the competitiveness of American carriers, a concern that, as the diplomat highlighted, representatives of US business circles openly discuss.

Gusakov revealed that during consultations in Istanbul last February, Russia raised the issue of "open skies." Throughout the year, the Russian side has conveyed proposals to American aviation authorities regarding the sequence of specific steps to reboot air communication.

The Russian Foreign Ministry hopes that the USA will demonstrate political will to remove the "aviation blockade," which, according to Moscow's assessment, has lost its practical significance. At the same time, the agency emphasizes that it is ready to discuss not only air communication but also broader forms of cooperation, including potential mega-projects, despite the risks and threats posed by NATO countries.

On November 19, Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Russia had proposed to restore air communication with the USA, but there has been no response from Washington regarding this matter.