Geopolitical tensions reshape airline routes after plane crash
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 28
The crash of an Azerbaijani plane in southern Russia, reportedly involving a Russian air defense system, has sparked swift changes across the airline industry.
Air Serbia has closed reservations for flights to certain Russian destinations, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, as part of an ongoing review of its network. EX-YU Aviation News is reporting this. This decision reflects the airline's evolving operations in response to shifting market conditions and political pressures. Travelers who had booked tickets for these routes will be affected, as the airline works to adjust its services in line with broader international dynamics.
Many have suspended flights because of the war
Many airlines stopped flying to Russia due to the Ukraine war, following sanctions imposed by various countries. Several major European, U.S., and Asian airlines suspended their services to Russia, citing safety concerns, restrictions on airspace, and political reasons. As a result, Russia faced significant disruptions in international air travel. However, some airlines, including Air Serbia, continued limited operations to select Russian destinations.
Air Serbia’s Russian connection
Air Serbia has continued to fly to select Russian destinations despite sanctions imposed by many other countries. This is partly because Serbia, where Air Serbia is based, has not joined the EU's sanctions against Russia. This political stance allows the airline to maintain services to Russia while others have suspended their routes due to sanctions and airspace restrictions. Air Serbia has faced criticism for its decision, but it remains operational in the region due to the country's neutral position in the conflict.
El Al suspends flights
El Al, Israel's national airline, has according to Jerusalem Post also suspended flights to Moscow until late March 2024, according to Israeli media. This decision follows a temporary suspension announced last week after an Azerbaijani passenger plane crash, suspected to have been caused by a Russian air defense system targeting Ukrainian drones.
Growing concerns in China
South China Morning Post is writing that Air China and China Southern Airlines appear to have rerouted flights to avoid southwestern Russia, particularly the Dagestan region, after the deadly crash. China is among the few countries that still have been flying to Russia.
Tracking data shows these airlines now take alternative paths over the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan for flights to destinations like Tbilisi and Budapest. This shift highlights growing concerns over safety in Russian airspace amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Reflects geopolitical tensions
Turkmenistan Airlines is according to Aviation Direct has also temporarily halted flights between Ashgabat and Moscow-Domodedovo from December 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025. The suspension, similar to measures taken by other airlines like El Al and Qazaq Air, reflects geopolitical tensions and changes in international air traffic. Flights are expected to resume on February 1, 2025, with passengers advised to explore alternative travel arrangements.
