newstodate.aero

Feb 24, 2022 (newstodate): As the political rift between Russia and Ukraine develops into a full-fledged military confrontation, commercial air services are immediately coming to a stop.
   Western airlines have cancelled their flights to Ukraine, and as NOTAMS are banning commercial flights over Ukraine and Belarus, airlines are challenged to find new routes diverting from original planning to bypass conflict zones.
   Also, several airports in Ukraine are now reportedly hit by attacks; Ukraine's main international gateway Kiev Boryspil Airport has suspended all services, with runways blocked and all staff evacuated.
   The industry is now awaiting the unveiling of the package of sanctions by the US, EU, the UK and other parties to assess the impact on civil aviation.
   As one example now under consideration is the fate of the significant volume of aircraft operated by Russian airlines on lease agreements with western lessors as insurance companies may withdraw their coverage and obligations.

   In 2021, of the total of 997 western-built aircraft operated by Russian airlines, 725 were registered in Bermuda and Ireland, corresponding to over 70 percent of the entire fleet operating for Russian carriers.
   Also lurking is the issue of overflight rights over Russian territory for western airlines, as well as the continued access to western airspace for Russian airlines.