Ukraine’s president has warned airlines, insurers and operators that Russian airspace is effectively closing amid a surge in drone strikes.
"We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous," Zelensky told a press conference in Kyiv.
Ukraine has formally notified the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) of the dangers to civilian aircraft. President Vladimir Putin described the remarks as a “declaration of state terrorism.”
Although most Western carriers have avoided Russian routes since the war began, airlines from Turkey, China and Gulf states still fly over Russia, benefitting from shorter flight paths. However, questions over safety now compel them to reconsider.
In a nightly video address, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to threaten civilian aviation, stating, “There will simply be drones in Russia’s skies on a scale that has to be taken into account.” His warning specifically targeted flights to major Russian cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed the warning on X, underscoring the aim to prevent unintended incidents and noting that “the war is returning home to Russia.”
Flight tracking data showed some planes still landed at Russia’s main airports, with minor delays but few cancellations. Major carriers said they were closely monitoring evolving conditions. Qatar Airways’ flight planning was guided by continuous monitoring of airspace security, while Pegasus announced cancellations of trips to Russia.
FlyDubai said it would adjust schedules as necessary, highlighting the broader uncertainty flying through Russian airspace currently faces amid a backdrop of ongoing drone and missile attacks targeting Russian infrastructure and airports. The trend underscores the heightened risk of civil aviation during active hostilities and the urgent need for real‑time risk assessment for airlines worldwide.
