Surprising: The Unexpected Reason Airlines Avoid Russian Airspace Happened
On March 28, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a Kyiv press conference that carriers flying over Russia should reroute immediately. He cited a surge in Ukrainian drone operations targeting Russian logistics hubs. The appeal directly affects airlines that still use the 1.3‑million‑square‑kilometer corridor, including several Chinese and Gulf carriers. How the aviation industry reacts could reshape flight paths across Eurasia for months.
What Happened: Zelensky’s Call and Russia’s Response
Account to Reuters reported that Zelensky made the appeal during a televised briefing at the Ministry of Defence in Kyiv. He warned that Ukrainian drone strikes, which have intensified since the spring, could endanger civilian aircraft that traverse Russian airspace. The president referenced recent attacks on the Engels air base and the Pskov logistics depot, noting that drones can now operate at alt
Despite losing most international overflights, Russian airports have seen a 12% rise in domestic carrier traffic, partially offsetting the revenue gap.
