Russia urges US to reopen airspace
March 3, 2025
Russian officials have urged the United States to reconsider restrictions on air travel between the two nations, including reopening US airspace to Russian aircraft and reinstating direct flights, according to a statement from Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The request was reportedly made during a meeting in Istanbul, where Russian and American representatives gathered to discuss issues related to their diplomatic missions.
Russian-registered aircraft have been banned from entering US and European airspace – and vice versa – since Moscow’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
“The need for practical results aimed at creating conditions for improving bilateral relations in the interests of the peoples of our countries was particularly emphasised. In concrete terms, the American side was asked to consider the possibility of restoring direct air traffic,” the statement read, according to US media.
The US released its own summary of the Istanbul talks, describing them as “constructive”. However it notably did not reference Russia’s appeal to restore direct air travel.
