Russia Presses ICAO to Ease Aviation Sanctions Over Safety
Russia is asking the U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to relax sanctions that block access to spare parts and overflights, calling them “unlawful coercive measures” in working papers submitted ahead of the agency’s triennial assembly in Montreal. The appeal follows the U.S. decision to lift restrictions on Belarusian flag carrier Belavia, which Moscow sees as a precedent.
Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine severed access to foreign-made aircraft parts for over 700 mostly Airbus and Boeing jets operated by Russian carriers. Industry insiders say airlines have been forced to rely on indirect “grey” import routes that cannot fully cover maintenance needs, leaving a growing share of the fleet at risk of grounding.
The Russian documents criticize widespread bans on Russian airlines, including the closure of 37 countries’ airspace, suspension of aircraft airworthiness certificates, and prohibitions on maintenance and insurance. Moscow argues such measures endanger passenger safety and violate the human right to freedom of movement.
Russia’s push puts ICAO in a difficult position. The agency has condemned Moscow for violating Ukraine’s airspace sovereignty and for dual-registering seized aircraft. At the same time, Russia is campaigning to regain a seat on ICAO’s 36-member governing council after losing its bid in 2022.
Recent incidents underscore the pressure on Russia’s aging fleet, including a fatal Antonov An-24 crash in the Far East in July and Aeroflot grounding flights after a cyberattack. Aviation experts warn that without timely access to certified parts, safety risks will continue to rise.
Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com, ca.news.yahoo.com