The EU tightens its sanctions on Russia, Expands flight ban to foreign airlines

The most significant aviation-related sanction prohibits airlines from third countries from flying to Europe if they operate domestic routes within Russia.

According to the European Commission, the ban also affects transactions with six Russian airports: Moscow Vnukovo Airport (VKO) Moscow Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) Four regional airports supporting domestic and international traffic

These restrictions come amid ongoing aircraft shortages in Russia due to sanctions preventing the country from importing Western-built planes and spare parts.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), responsible for producing domestic aircraft, has struggled to meet demand.

According to The Kyiv Independent, as of December 2024, UAC had only managed to deliver seven out of 108 planned passenger aircraft since 2022.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has previously highlighted that rerouted flights have significantly increased operational costs for airlines, forcing carriers to take longer and less efficient flight paths to avoid Russian airspace.

With the Ukraine conflict entering its fourth year, the European Union remains committed to economic pressure on Russia.

The latest sanctions package signals that aviation restrictions will continue tightening, further isolating Russia from global air travel networks.