Russian authorities may stop some European charter flights, change trans-Siberian air routes, and ban Ukrainian airlines, in response to EU sanctions that caused Aeroflot subsidiary Dobrolet to suspend flights.
“It may mean the suspension of cargo and passenger charter flights operating with temporary flight licenses,” ITAR-TASS quotes a person familiar with the preparation of the counter-measures.
Air corridors over Russian territory may also be changed, particularly on the trans-Siberian route.
"This will increase the flight time, resulting in increased costs for air carriers caused by increased fuel consumption and cabin crew wages,” the person said. “Thus European carriers will lose competitiveness against Asian airlines."
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) hopes the political complications between Russia and the European Union, which has imposed a program of sectorial sanctions against the Russian economy, won't affect the arrangements agreed by European airlines on trans-Siberian routes.
The aviation authorities are also considering closing air space for transit flights by Ukrainian airlines.
The Ministry of Transport confirmed it was considering a list of measures outlined by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev the day before.
READ MORE: Medvedev: Russia to consider retaliation to EU sanctions