Ukraine closes its airspace to civilian flights

Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian flights on Thursday. The reason is a high risk to safety.

Photo: AP / Efrem Lukatsky

Europe's aviation regulator also warned against the hazards to flying in bordering areas of Russia and Belarus, because of military activities, Reuters said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine in what appeared to be the start of war in Europe.

On its website, Ukraine State Air Traffic Services Enterprise said the country’s airspace was closed to civilian flights starting from 00:45 GMT on Thursday, with air traffic services suspended.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said airspace in Russia and Belarus within 100 nautical miles of their borders with Ukraine could also pose safety risks.

“In particular, there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft. The presence and possible use of a wide range of ground and airborne warfare systems poses a high risk for civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels,” the agency said.