Slovakia ready to resume direct flights to Russia if EU sanctions lifted

Slovakia could restore direct air links with Russia if European Union sanctions are lifted, the country’s transport ministry spokeswoman Petra Polyachikova told Izvestia.

She clarified that once European restrictions are removed, Slovak airspace would become accessible to Russian carriers and their aircraft, Caliber.Az reports.

The possibility of launching regular or charter flights would depend on the interest of the airlines themselves.

Polyachikova emphasised that Slovakia would be prepared to consider granting permissions if general entry requirements for Slovak airspace, relevant air transport agreements, and European legislation are fully met.

The EU closed its airspace to Russian airlines in 2022. In response, Russia banned Western carriers from entering its airspace without special permission. Currently, direct flights to Russia are also unavailable from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea.

By Jeyhun Aghazada