Ukraine puts Russian airspace risks on record, pressuring foreign carriers — NV analysis
NV Business examined how President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s warning about the dangers of Russian airspace could affect global civil aviation and what legal, economic and political consequences it may have.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines using Russian airspace that the skies over his country are becoming unsafe. Ukraine became the first nation to formally notify the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the risks associated with flying over Russia. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged airlines to avoid Russian airspace and appealed to the ICAO secretary-general for a complete withdrawal of civilian aviation from the region.
Ukrainian lawmaker Yehor Cherniev called the president's statement a "formal legal notice" that could have catastrophic consequences for the aggressor. Despite Russia's invasion and sanctions, foreign airlines continue to operate routes connecting Russia with the outside world. Almost immediately after Zelenskyy's warning, some carriers, including Pegasus and Turkish Airlines, canceled flights to Russian airports.
However, most likely, these decisions were made for technical reasons. Aviation experts say that Ukraine's actions may have more severe consequences for both Russian and foreign carriers than initially apparent. While Ukraine cannot legally close Russian airspace, the president's statement could influence risk assessments by carriers.
Each state is responsible for assessing risks and issuing NOTAMs to airlines. However, news of the president's warning should not be ignored, as it adds to carriers' risk evaluations.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
