The U.S. government is expected to ban Russian aircraft from American airspace, broadening aviation restrictions as the West expands sanctions over the war in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.
An order barring Russian-owned and -operated aircraft from U.S. airspace is expected to be issued as soon as within the next 24 hours, said some of the people. The U.S. move would follow earlier prohibitions by European and Canadian authorities.
The restrictions, which Russia has retaliated against by issuing a similar ban on European flights, have disrupted airline flight plans as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine escalates. The White House, which declined to comment, held extensive talks with U.S. airlines in recent days.
United had been continuing to fly over Russian airspace to operate some flights to and from India in recent days. Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), American Airlines, and United Parcel Service (UPS.N) all confirmed this week they had halted flights over Russia. FedEx on Tuesday did not respond to emails asking if it has stopped flying over Russia.
United is canceling two flights to India for Tuesday and Wednesday as it evaluates how it could continue to operate via a different route that does not use Russian airspace. White House officials had privately asked if the move would harm U.S. supply chains or have other negative impacts, sources told Reuters.
