Russian Airline Aeroflot Halts International Flights Amid Ukraine War Sanctions

Aeroflot will no longer operate international flights from Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at midnight (Monday 9pm GMT). In a statement, the Russian airline explains that the new "circumstances that hinder the operation of flights" are the reason for this decision. Domestic flights and flights to Belarus would however be maintained.

The Russian aviation regulator, Rossaviatsia, has also indicated that it has "recommended" to Russian companies operating leased aircraft registered outside the country to stop flights abroad. "This recommendation is the consequence of the very high risk of immobilization or confiscation of the aircraft of Russian companies abroad," it added. Flights abroad must cease at 9pm GMT on Saturday, and those from abroad on Monday at 9pm GMT, Rossaviatsia specifies.

According to a source from the French Ministry of Transport, "ten aircraft registered in Russia or of Russian ownership in France" are currently blocked by the French authorities, reports the newspaper Libération. There are four brand new aircraft to be delivered to their client, and three undergoing maintenance in repair shops.