3rd January 2025 – (Beijing) According to reports on 2nd January, 2025, several flights operated by Air China have begun to bypass southern Russian airspace. This area has raised alarm due to the suspected shooting down of an Azerbaijan Airlines flight by Russian air defence forces on 25th December. However, routes to and from Western and Northern Europe continue to transit through central and northern Russia without alteration.
While regular flights to Russia remain unaffected, many routes to Central Europe previously passing through Russian airspace are now being reconsidered. Concerns for passenger safety have surged following the Azerbaijan incident. Recent flights, such as those operated by Air China from Beijing to Athens, Hainan Airlines from Chongqing to Rome, and China Eastern Airlines from Shanghai to Istanbul, are now flying along the borders of Russia and Azerbaijan, avoiding entry into Russian territory.
Notably, the Air China CA781 flight from Urumqi to Georgia successfully landed at Tbilisi International Airport on 2nd January, entirely avoiding Russian airspace. Additionally, approximately six routes operated by China Southern Airlines to Europe have also been adjusted to circumvent the southern regions of Russia.Share
