U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Belavia and Government Aircraft

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has officially removed Belarusian flag carrier Belavia (B2, Minsk National) from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, effectively ending sanctions against the airline. The decision, finalized on November 4, allows U.S. individuals and entities to resume business with Belavia.

This move formalizes the tentative suspension of sanctions announced in September 2025, which had already permitted limited transactions but continued to create uncertainty for the airline. Belavia confirmed the full lifting resolves those issues.

OFAC also lifted sanctions on a Bombardier Challenger 850 (EW-301PJ) operated by Belavia on behalf of the Belarusian government. In addition, a general license was issued to suspend sanctions on three other government-operated aircraft: a Boeing 737-800(BBJ) (EW-001PA), a Boeing 767-300ER (EW-001PB), and an AW139 helicopter (EW-001PH).

However, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) continues to enforce export restrictions on the 737-800(BBJ), preventing Belavia from operating certain U.S.-manufactured aircraft to destinations such as Russia.

While OFAC sanctions focus on blocking financial transactions with designated entities, BIS restrictions aim to prevent the use of U.S.-made assets by sanctioned parties.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com