Ban on direct flights between Russia, Ukraine takes effect

Publisher	Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Publication Date	25 October 2015
Cite as	Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ban on direct flights between Russia, Ukraine takes effect, 25 October 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/56813ca611.html [accessed 17 September 2023]
Disclaimer	This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

October 25, 2015

Direct flights between Ukraine and Russia have been grounded as new sanctions initiated by Kyiv came into effect.

Flights stopped on October 25, after last-minute crisis negotiations between the two sides failed.

Kyiv announced late last month that it would ban flights by Russian airlines in reprisal for Moscow's March 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Russia called the ban "madness" and said it would mirror the move.

Tens of thousands of passengers will be affected by the bans every month.

They will now be forced to take longer, more expensive routes via third countries, or to brace themselves for a 13-hour trip by train.

Based on reporting by AFP, the BBC, and TASS