The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advising airlines to avoid western Russian airspace due to heightened risks of accidental targeting by air defense systems. The advisory follows the recent crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight in Kazakhstan, which killed 38 people after Russian defenses engaged Ukrainian drones.
EASA recommends avoiding Russian airspace west of longitude 60° East at all altitudes. Although EU airlines are already banned from Russian airspace due to sanctions, the guidance now extends to non-European carriers authorized by EASA. The agency highlights risks from poor civil-military coordination and potential misidentification, with the advisory valid until July 31, 2025.
Some airlines have adjusted routes to avoid the area, leading to longer flight times and higher costs. British Airways, for example, suspended London-Beijing flights to avoid Russian airspace. Meanwhile, European airlines have called for fair competition as carriers from countries like China continue to use Russian airspace.