Russian Ministry: 109 Russia-Middle East Flights Cancelled Until 1 March

The Russian Ministry of Transport reported that hundreds of air journeys have been disrupted by cancellations on the Russia-Middle East routes. By Sunday, 1 March in the evening local time, a total of 109 flights have been cancelled.

“By the evening of Sunday, 1 March, a total of 109 flights between Russia and Middle Eastern countries have been cancelled. Russian airlines cancelled 38 flights, whilst foreign airlines cancelled 71 flights. The majority of cancelled flights, namely 86 percent, constitute the Russia-United Arab Emirates route,” according to the ministry’s statement.

Based on official information, the Russia-United Arab Emirates route became the most significantly affected, accounting for 86 percent of total cancellations. Both domestic and foreign airlines have made adjustments to flight schedules.

The ministry stated that Russian airlines and international carriers, with support from the Ministry of Transport and Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia, are currently rearranging flight schedules following the closure of several airspace areas in the Middle East region.

Russian aviation authorities have also issued operational directives to national airlines to use alternative routes or substitute flight paths. This policy applies until Wednesday, 11 March, as communicated by the relevant ministry.

Additionally, flights destined for Israel and Iran have been temporarily suspended until further notice from the competent authorities.

The escalation of conflict in the Middle East following military action has triggered risk-off sentiment in global financial markets. PT Pertamina (Persero) has increased operational oversight in response to geopolitical developments in the Middle East region. Several neighbouring countries to Saudi Arabia have taken steps to close their airspace for flight arrivals and departures.