Russia May Block Europe’s Carriers From Siberian Airspace
The Russian government is looking to stop European airlines from overflying Siberia on flights to and from Asia.
In retaliation to new economic sanctions, Russia is threatening to deny European airlines their long-standing use of Siberian airspace for flights to and from Asia.
In retaliation to new economic sanctions, Russia is threatening to deny European airlines their long-standing use of Siberian airspace for flights to and from Asia.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has instructed the country’s transport officials to draw up plans to block the use of Russian airspace by European Union (EU) airlines for flights to and from Asia. The policy, confirmed in meetings with Russia’s transport department and the management of flag carrier Aeroflot on August 5, is part of a move by Russian President Vladimir Putin to instigate retaliatory action against the EU in response to its latest round of economic sanctions to protest Russia’s alleged support for separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. These sanctions, which took effect on August 1, resulted in the grounding of Aeroflot subsidiary Dobrolet on August 4.