American Airlines Sanctions Russian Owned Airlines

American Airlines, which is a part of the OneWorld alliance along with S7 and 12 other airlines, has ended all its agreements with Russian-based airlines. On Tuesday, American Airlines announced that the suspension includes Russian based carriers Aeroflot and S7 Airlines. This news of terminating contracts and other sanctions on Russia emerged after they invaded Ukraine.

OneWorld Alliance

Whilst S7 Airlines will still be a part of the OneWorld alliance; members will no longer be able to earn miles on those trips moving forward. Alaska Airlines, which is also a part of OneWorld released a statement saying:

We are deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis taking place in Ukraine. As a result, we are temporarily suspending our partnership with the Russian airline S7, a fellow oneworld member.

Starting March 1, our guests will not be able to earn miles on S7. Our ongoing work to enable redemptions on S7 will also stop.

Alaska Airlines has also suspended its limited interline relationships with S7 and Aeroflot, the largest carrier in Russia.

Airspace Bans

The European Union’s response to Russia has included sanctions and airspace bans, causing S7 Airlines to have to cancel 16 European flights. The United States has recently joined the EU in closing its airspace to Russian aircraft. The Biden administration said that they hope this will weaken Russia’s aviation system. In a statement yesterday, President Joe Biden stated:

Tonight, I am announcing that we will join our allies in closing off American airspace to all Russian flights, further isolating Russia and adding an additional squeeze on their economy.

Limiting where Russian airlines are permitted to fly, Biden added:

Putin is now isolated from the world

Canada had banned its airspace to Russia before the United States, which had already caused Aeroflot to cancel flights to the; US, Caribbean and Mexico. Canada had also accused Russia of violating its airspace rule when an Aeroflot flight from Miami to Moscow flew above Canadian airspace on Sunday. Transport for Canada tweeted that they are launching an investigation.

(2/2) We are launching a review of the conduct of Aeroflot and the independent air navigation service provider, NAVCAN, leading up to this violation. We will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action and other measures to prevent future violations.
— Transport Canada (@Transport_gc) February 28, 2022