Russia Calls on ICAO to Lift Aviation Sanctions Ahead of Assembly

Russia has urged the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to lift sanctions on spare parts and overflights, citing significant safety concerns. This appeal was made in advance of the 42nd ICAO Assembly scheduled to take place in Montréal, Canada, in March 2024. The Russian government claims that the sanctions hinder the right to free movement and are “unlawful coercive measures” imposed in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Since the onset of the conflict in February 2022, Russia has faced considerable challenges in maintaining its aviation fleet. The country has lost direct access to Western-made spare parts essential for its Airbus and Boeing aircraft, prompting Russian airlines to seek alternative methods for importing necessary components.

Sanctions and Their Impact on Aviation

According to reports from Reuters, Russian authorities are actively negotiating with aviation leaders to ease the sanctions, particularly those affecting spare parts crucial for ensuring flight safety. The ICAO, a United Nations agency, has condemned Russia for violating Ukraine’s airspace sovereignty and for dual registration of its aircraft. Moscow contends that the sanctions contradict global aviation regulations, as evidenced by working papers submitted ahead of the assembly.

Russia is also pursuing a seat on the ICAO’s 36-state governing council, having failed to secure enough votes during the last assembly in 2022 due to its actions in Ukraine. The Russian government has requested that ICAO take measures to prevent other nations from imposing what it describes as politically motivated sanctions on civil aviation.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, Western countries have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector. These include airspace bans, restricting Russian carriers from accessing Western airspace, and limitations on aircraft leasing and the import and export of aircraft, parts, and materials. Additionally, insurance and financing restrictions have further complicated operations for Russian airlines.

Challenges in Maintaining Aircraft and Safety Concerns

The sanctions have severely affected Russia’s civil aviation industry, which is vital for transporting passengers and cargo across its vast territory, spanning 11 time zones. A source from the Russian aviation sector indicated that the country is facing challenges in maintaining its aging Airbus and Boeing fleets. The inability to import parts through conventional channels has forced airlines to rely on “grey schemes,” which are often irregular and costly.

Despite these difficulties, Russia has managed to retain over 400 aircraft that belonged to international lessors by confiscating them, although some have been compensated for. Without new deliveries, the average age of the fleet is rising, and maintenance has become increasingly problematic. Authorities are raising alarms about the safety of operations, warning that some Russian airlines may be flying aircraft that lack adequate maintenance.

Since the commencement of the war, Russia has experienced several serious aviation incidents, leading to tragic losses. Most recently, an Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 crashed in Southeastern Russia, resulting in the deaths of all 48 individuals on board.

In a related development, the United States has recently lifted sanctions on the Belarusian national airline, Belavia, exempting it from restrictions that were originally imposed due to Belarus’ support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This shift comes on the heels of Belarus agreeing to release 52 political prisoners. The easing of these sanctions allows Belavia to legally acquire aircraft and spare parts, raising concerns that this could facilitate the flow of components back to Russia.

As the situation continues to evolve, the outcome of the ICAO Assembly and its potential decisions regarding sanctions will be closely observed by both Russian officials and the global aviation community.