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Airlines Still Flying Over Russian Airspace

Airlines still flying over Russia

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, numerous airlines have suspended operating over the airspace of the Russian Federation. Countries in Europe and North America have closed their airspace off to Russian aircraft and have since felt reciprocal retaliation from the Kremlin forcing reroutes around Russia.

However, some other international airlines which are still allowed to fly over Russian Federation airspace are choosing not to for safety or insurance reasons. In total, the Russian government has closed its airspace to 36 countries or territories. Find out which airlines are still operating across Russia.

Moscow, Russia

Which countries are blocked from Russian Airspace?

Rosaviatsiya, the Federal Air Transport Agency for the Russian Federation has restricted airspace access to the following states and territories:
Albania, Anguilla*, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, British Virgin Islands, Germany, Gibraltar, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Jersey, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

*British Overseas Territory

Which countries have blocked Russia from its airspace?

As of April 2022, Albania, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, the UK, the US and the entirety of the European Union has banned Russian-registered aircraft from entering its airspace.

Which airlines are still flying over Russia?

Find out which Airlines still fly to Russian airports or over Russian airspace.

FLag of the European Union

European

All 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Switzerland, Albania, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom, have suspended services to Russia or over Russian airspace. However, the following airlines remain operating over their airspace or at their airports:

African

There are a limited amount of African airlines which have continued operating services over Russian airspace. Some which have continued include:

The middle east

Middle Eastern

Airlines in the Middle East have largely not suspended services in and out of Russia. If you are seeking passage in and out of Russia then it is likely you will connect into the region via one of these airlines.

map of asia

Asian

Asian nations haven't applied as rigorous air sanctions as Europe and North America. However, some countries' airlines are still voluntarily avoiding Russian airspace including Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Asiana and more. There are still a handful of airlines that operate services over Russian airspace including.

Picture of an American flag in a field

Regions with no airlines that serve Russia

North American

Currently, no North American airlines fly over Russian airspace.

South American

Similarly, airlines based in South America are not flying over Russian Airspace.

Oceanic

Australasian airlines such as Qantas are avoiding Russian airspace on flights to Europe.

Please note that this list is constantly evolving as the Russo-Ukrainian war escalates. Please also check with your airline.

Alternative Airlines Update

At Alternative Airlines we are devastated by what is happening in Ukraine. We have temporarily suspended ticketing Russian airlines and accepting the Russian Ruble, to view our official statement on the matter and what we are doing as a company to help please visit our press release. We are also proud to be raising money for the victims of this atrocity by walking the distance of our office to Ukraine. To keep updated and donate visit our JustGiving page.

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Flying Over Russia FAQs

Is it safe to fly over Russia?

Typically, yes. As long as you are flying with one of the properly sanctioned carriers listed above and approved by Rosaviatsiya, Russia's board of aviation. Safety cannot be totally guaranteed if you are flying over or around active conflict zones. Check your airline's route before you travel.

Can I fly from Europe into Russia?

Most European airlines have ceased operations flying into Russia, however, some carriers are continuing to service the region. You can reach Russia by flying with Turkish Airlines, AirSERBIA, Pegasus Airlines and Belavia.

Is it safe to fly over Ukraine?

No, it is not safe to fly over Ukraine due to the ongoing military conflict and the risk of civilian aircraft being targeted: 

Military conflict: Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to the closure of Ukraine's airspace to commercial flights. The conflict continues, with missile and drone attacks that have damaged civilian infrastructure and injured and killed civilians.

Advice: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned against flying over Ukraine, as well as Moldova, Russia, and Belarus. The US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy have also issued total flight bans into and over Ukraine. 

Is it safe to travel to Eastern Europe right now?

Yes. As long as you are staying out of areas of direct conflict and proceed with common sense in mind. If you are concerned about international safety in your Eastern European destination of choice then we recommend doing research into current events in the region before you book.