Airlines Suspend Flights Amidst Russia–Ukraine Tensions; KazAir Plane Crash Blamed on Russian Air Defense
In a series of announcements, several airlines have temporarily suspended flights to and from Russia, citing operational reasons, as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate.
Turkmenistan Airlines Halts Flights
Turkmenistan’s national carrier, Turkmenistan Airlines, has announced the cancellation of regular flights between Ashgabat and Moscow from December 30, 2024, to January 31, 2025. The airline has not provided specific reasons for this decision.
flydubai Suspends Flights to Russia
United Arab Emirates-based flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Mineralnye Vody and Sochi, Russia, from December 27, 2024, to January 3, 2025.
Qazaq Air Halts Flights to Russia
Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Air has canceled flights to Yekaterinburg until further notice.
El Al Temporarily Halts Flights to Moscow
Israeli airline El Al has also halted flights to Moscow for a week, citing operational reasons.
Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crash in Kazakhstan
In a tragic incident, an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger plane crashed in Kazakhstan on the third day of the week, resulting in the deaths of 38 out of the 67 people on board. According to widespread reports citing sources, the plane may have been hit by a Russian anti-aircraft missile near Grozny. At the time of the incident, Russian air defenses were reportedly countering a drone attack from Ukraine.
