Russia Blocking Any EU Flights That Circumnavigate Belarus In Alarming Escalation

Sky News’ Europe Correspondent Adam Parsons is reporting a worrisome huge escalation between the EU and Russia in the wake of the Belarus-Ryanair plane diversion and arrest of Roman Protasevich on Sunday. European carriers have been avoiding Belarusian airspace after widespread condemnation of what was dubbed “state hijacking” after Belarusian MiG fighters escorted the Lithuania-bound flight to Minsk where authorities grabbed the anti-Lushenko activist and his girlfriend based on prior charges.

Britain’s Sky News is now reporting that Russia is “stopping EU flights from entering Russian airspace – IF those airplanes have circumnavigated Belarusian airspace on the way.”

Russia is reportedly stopping EU flights from entering Russian airspace – IF those airplanes have circumnavigated Belarusian airspace on the way.
Bearing in mind the size of Russian airspace, and the position of Belarus – that’s a significant move.

— Adam Parsons (@adamparsons) May 27, 2021

Parson’s follows by emphasizing, “Bearing in mind the size of Russian airspace, and the position of Belarus – that’s a significant move.”

This could mark the beginnings of a “battle” over crucial Eastern Europe and Baltic airspace and flight paths as more countries also ban airspace for Belavia flights (state airline of Belarus) in the wake of the Ryanair controversy and fallout, which has further put President Alexander Lukashenko back in the crosshairs of the West and expanding sanctions.

🇪🇸 Spain now telling Spanish operators and aircraft to avoid Belarus unless needed in an emergency. Also telling aircraft bound for Spain to avoid overflying Belarus. pic.twitter.com/9ADzCO1flF

— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) May 27, 2021

All of this is set to potentially be economically devastating for both sides, and as it grows will most certainly severely disrupt international travel paths as more and more people take to the skies again after pandemic lockdowns.

As of Tuesday, Belarusian airspace appeared almost empty…

developing…