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Latvia Close Sky to All Flights Related to Russia and Its Nationals

In addition to the air traffic restrictions adopted on Saturday, 26 February, the state agency Civil Aviation Agency issued a new air navigation information statement this night prohibiting the use of Latvian airspace for aircraft associated with Russia, its legal entities, or natural persons.

This prohibition on using the airspace of the European Union (EU) was imposed by the Council of Europe yesterday. It means that the use of Latvian airspace is prohibited for all Russian nationals who directly or indirectly control aircraft, regardless of the country in which the aircraft is registered.

The Council of Europe adopted the decision in response to Russia’s large-scale military aggression against Ukraine and considering Russia’s possible future action that may pose a threat to the EU and its population.

The restrictions imposed cover all types of flights, including flights operating within the EU that are attributable to the activities of Russian nationals or companies controlled by them. This reinforces flight surveillance at the Member State level, assessing both the country of registration and ownership of the aircraft and the purpose of the flight. The primary flight monitoring is ensured under EU regulatory requirements by the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation – Eurocontrol. National air navigation service providers, including in Latvia, receive flight plans approved by Eurocontrol.

Previously reported, the Latvian airspace has been closed to commercial flights with Russian-registered carriers from midnight on 27 February 2022.

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