Rosaviatsiya Bans Russian and Foreign Airlines From Operating Transit Flights Through Moscow Air Hub

Rosaviatsiya has banned Russian and foreign airlines from operating transit flights through the Moscow air hub, Kommersant writes. In addition, the maximum flight altitude in the area of Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo was reduced from about 8.5 thousand to 4.9 thousand meters.

The restrictions are being explained by safety considerations. According to the newspaper’s sources, they were introduced at the initiative of the Defense Ministry because of drone attacks.

Because of the ban, transit aircraft will have to fly around the Moscow zone, which could make such flights 20 to 30 minutes longer and increase airlines’ fuel costs.

In addition, flights to Moscow airports could become 5 to 15 minutes longer. Three of the newspaper’s sources also believe that prolonged flights at lower altitude increase the risk of planes colliding with birds.

Rosaviatsiya said the measures will remain in effect from July 11 to August 12, but Kommersant’s sources say the restrictions are unlikely to be lifted before the end of the military action