Russian based S7 Airlines has cancelled all its flights from tomorrow due to international airspace bans imposed on Russia. The airline released a statement today disclosing the reason for the cancellations. They said:
“From March 5, S7 Airlines is obliged to cancel all flights to international destinations.
Passengers on cancelled flights will be notified by the airline, and our specialists will help them return home on flights operated by partner airlines. Passengers of cancelled international flights can also request a full refund”
European Union Sanctions
The European Union (EU) announced last week that it would be imposing sanctions on Russia due to its war on Ukraine. The sanctions include the banning of the sale of aircraft and spare parts. President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, stated that three-quarters of Russia’s aviation fleet is manufactured in; the European Union, the United States or Canada and that the ban can mean their fleet could soon be grounded. The sanctions mean that Russia’s aircraft fleet, which includes European manufacturer Airbus, won’t be able to purchase necessary parts.
US Sanctions
The United States has also announced similar sanctions on Russia, including aircraft parts and the termination of maintenance contracts. These sanctions will primarily affect Russia as their flag carrier, Aeroflot, has a fleet of American manufactured aircraft Boeing.
The US has recently joined the EU in banning its airspace to Russian airlines. The Biden administration said that they hope this will weaken Russia’s aviation system. President of the United States, Joe Biden, stated:
“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.”
Airspace Bans
Many countries across Europe, America and Asia have closed their airspace to Russian airlines. The airspace bans have caused longer flights due to having to reroute. The rerouting of flights will result in extra flying time and, in turn, additional fuel costs and a larger carbon footprint. The need for extra aviation fuel also results in extra weight, which means fewer passengers or cargo can be transported per flight. An example of the effect of the airspace bans on Russia is Aeroflot flight number SU2466, from Moscow to Budapest, which had to add 70 minutes of flight time to avoid flying over Poland and Czechia.
S7 Fleet
S7 Airlines has a fleet of 101 aircraft, many of which are on lease. According to S7’s website, their fleet includes; 61 Airbus, 23 Boeing and 17 Embraer jets.
Let us know your thoughts about the sanctions and airspace bans imposed on Russia below.
