Ukraine calls for Russia's airspace to be closed to civilian aircraft
Ukraine has called on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to take action in response to the growing danger to civilian aircraft in Russian airspace. Mykola Kalashnyk, Ukraine’s Minister of Community and Territorial Development, addressed ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salas and proposed considering a complete ban on civilian aviation flights over Russia.
The Ministry of Community, Territorial, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine confirmed that Minister Mykola Kalashnyk had contacted ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salas regarding the risks to civil aviation in Russia.
In the letter, the Ukrainian side called on the international aviation community to take comprehensive measures to mitigate these risks. Among the proposed steps is the possibility of completely banning civilian aircraft from flying in Russian airspace.
The ministry explained that this appeal is consistent with the position previously articulated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Amid the war unleashed by Russia and the escalating intensity of hostilities, Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous for civil aviation,” the Ministry of Infrastructure stated.
Ukraine Warns Airlines
Ukrainian authorities emphasize that they do not pose a deliberate threat to civilian aircraft. At the same time, Kyiv considers it necessary to warn airlines and international aviation organizations in advance about the situation in Russian airspace. The ministry noted that in a letter to the ICAO Secretary-General, Kalashnik called on the organization to ensure that aviation authorities, air navigation service providers, and airlines take all necessary measures to protect passengers and crews.
This applies not only to airlines operating flights over Russian territory. Ukraine also draws attention to the risks faced by carriers using Russian airports. One option proposed by the Ukrainian side is a decision by ICAO member states to impose a complete ban on civil aircraft flights in Russian airspace.
At the same time, this does not mean that such a ban has already been implemented. For now, Ukraine is calling on the international aviation community to consider appropriate measures.
Why Ukraine is Warning of the Danger
Officials in Kyiv explain their position by citing the situation that has arisen due to the full-scale war. Russia continues to launch strikes against Ukraine using missiles and attack drones. At the same time, military aircraft, air defense systems, and electronic warfare systems are operating in Russian airspace.
“Russia is continuing the war and making massive use of missiles, attack drones, aircraft, air defense systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. Under such conditions, the risks to civilian aircraft are objectively increasing,” the Ukrainian ministry stated.
The Ukrainian side believes that, under these conditions, international aviation regulations and flight safety decisions must take the actual military situation into account. Of particular concern is the fact that civilian aircraft may find themselves in the same airspace as military activity. This creates additional risks for passenger flights, even if the aircraft itself is not the target.
What Zelenskyy Has Said Previously
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also repeatedly raised the issue of flight safety over Russia. According to him, Ukraine is warning airlines that continue to use Russian airspace, as well as those that use key Russian airports.
Zelenskyy stated that as the war continues, Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous. At the same time, the president emphasized that Ukraine has no intention of posing a threat specifically to civil aviation. “We are warning every airline that uses Russian airspace, as well as all those using key Russian airports, that Russian airspace is becoming completely dangerous,” Zelenskyy said.
According to him, the consequences of Russia’s escalation will also be felt in Russian airspace. “Ukraine poses no threat to civil aviation,” the president emphasized.
At the same time, Zelenskyy stated that Russia must understand the consequences of continuing the war, particularly the intensification of Ukrainian strikes on military and other targets on Russian territory.
What Might Change for Civil Aviation
If ICAO member states agree to Ukraine’s appeal, this could affect the operations of airlines that currently use routes through Russian airspace. This primarily involves rerouting flights and restricting flights over Russian territory. For airlines, this could mean longer routes and additional costs for operating flights.
However, Ukraine’s main argument remains the safety of passengers and crews. Kyiv wants decisions regarding flights over Russia to be made with consideration not only for the commercial interests of carriers but also for military risks.
For now, Ukraine’s appeal is directed at the ICAO and its member states. Final decisions regarding flight restrictions must be made by the relevant aviation and government authorities.
Thus, Ukraine is proposing that the international aviation community consider a complete ban on civilian flights over Russia. Officials in Kyiv cite the increase in military activity in Russian airspace and the need to prevent threats to passenger aircraft as the reasons for this proposal.
