Ukraine Warns Airlines Against Traveling Through Russian Airspace
President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines, insurers and airport operators on Tuesday, Sept. 1, against traveling through Russian airspace as it becomes increasingly dangerous due to drone activity linked to Moscow’s war. Zelensky said civilian carriers should reconsider flying to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major Russian destinations.
Ukraine has cautioned airlines to reconsider flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major Russian destinations due to escalating drone activity that is disrupting air travel and airport operations. President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed this issue on Tuesday, stating that no one should lose their lives needlessly, and Russia is not transparent about the risks to civilian aviation.
While Ukraine itself poses no threat, the safety of civilian flights in Russian airspace is questionable, according to Zelensky. The warning was issued as Russia continues to face disruptions, such as airspace restrictions and airport closures. Aviation risk monitors have indicated that drones and Russian air defenses pose significant threats to civilian flights, regardless of altitude.
Ukraine's airspace has been off-limits to civilian aviation since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Several countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France and Italy, have barred flights through Ukrainian airspace due to the inherent danger. Russia is anticipated to keep up its drone attacks in Ukraine until its parliamentary elections in September as part of President Vladimir Putin's strategy to portray a "victory" to voters.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
