Belarus Airspace: Restricted Or Open For Flights?

Belarus has been deemed a no-fly zone for civilian aircraft by the Belarusian Defense Ministry since February 24, 2022. This decision was made in light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with several countries, including Canada, the US, and the UK, imposing sanctions on Belarus and warning their airlines to avoid its airspace. The primary risk is the unintended targeting of civilian aircraft by the military near the Belarus-Ukraine border. Additionally, there have been instances of Russian weapons entering Belarusian airspace, both with and without the consent of the local government. The situation in Belarus remains unpredictable, with the country facing economic sanctions and a deteriorating ability to provide consular services.

Belarus declared a partial no-fly zone for civilian aircraft in February 2022

On February 24, 2022, Belarus declared a partial no-fly zone for civilian aircraft. The Belarusian Defense Ministry made the announcement, stating that the decision was made by the General Staff of the Belarusian Armed Forces. The no-fly zone was implemented to ensure safe traffic in Belarusian airspace and applied to altitudes from zero to 19,800 meters. The perimeter of the restricted area included the state border of the Republic of Belarus, Vysokoye, Baranovichi, Osipovichi, Krichev, and the southern border of the Republic of Belarus back to Vysokoye.

This decision came in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine between Russian and Ukrainian forces, which began with the Russian military invasion in February 2024. Both Ukraine and Russia had already closed large sections of their airspace near their FIR boundaries with Ukraine, and several countries had issued warnings or bans on their operators from entering Belarusian airspace due to potential safety risks.

The primary concern highlighted by the US, Canada, and other countries was the unintended targeting of civil aircraft by the military near the Belarus-Ukraine border. This concern arose from previous incidents, such as the forced landing of an international flight bound for Lithuania in May 2021, which was politically motivated and involved misleading the crew about a non-existent security threat.

The partial no-fly zone in Belarus remained in place for 2.5 years until September 19, 2024, when the NOTAM restricting civilian aircraft from flying in southern Belarus at altitudes up to 19,800 meters was lifted. The Belarusian Gayun monitoring group reported that civil aviation had resumed flying in the south of the country, although they noted that this change might be due to forest fires in the region.

Several countries have imposed sanctions on Belarus for its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Belarus has been a partial no-fly zone for civilian aircraft since February 24, 2022. The country's defence ministry imposed the restriction, citing the need to ensure safe traffic in Belarusian airspace. The no-fly zone was lifted in September 2024. However, Belarus remains a high-risk area for civil aircraft due to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. Several countries, including the US, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, have issued warnings or bans on their operators from entering Belarusian airspace.

The UK, for example, has targeted Belarusian army chiefs and defence officials, as well as military enterprises, as part of its sanctions. The UK Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, accused Belarus of "facilitating the invasion from within its borders" and vowed to inflict economic consequences for its support for Russia.

The US has also taken action against Belarus, with the US Department of State announcing sanctions and visa restrictions to promote accountability for the Lukashenka regime and targeting Belarusian revenue generators that support human rights abuses and Russia's war machine.

The European Union's sanctions against Belarus are similar to those imposed on Russia and take into account the specific situation in Belarus since the rigged presidential election in 2020. The EU's measures include individual sanctions on over 200 Belarusian individuals and entities, financial sanctions, and economic sanctions in key sectors such as hydrocarbons, potash, transport, and commodities.

The UK has banned all Belarusian airlines from flying into the country

Belarus has been deemed unsafe for civilian flights by several countries and aviation organisations. In May 2021, a Ryanair flight from Greece to Lithuania was diverted to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, after a bomb threat was reported. Onboard was Roman Protasevich, a prominent Belarusian opposition journalist. Protasevich was arrested at Minsk airport, in what has been described as an "assault on civil aviation" and an "act of modern piracy".

In response to this incident, the UK has banned all Belarusian airlines from flying into the country. The UK's Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, stated that the move was necessary "to keep passengers safe". The UK has also advised its airlines to avoid flying over Belarus. This follows similar actions taken by the US, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany.

The European Union has also taken a strong stance, with EU-based airlines asked to stop flying over Belarus, and Belarusian airlines banned from flying over the bloc's airspace or landing in its airports. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, stated that the safety and security of flights through Belarus could no longer be trusted.

In addition to the forced landing of the Ryanair flight, Belarus declared a partial no-fly zone for civilian aircraft in February 2022. This restriction was lifted in September 2024, but the country's airspace remains unsafe due to the ongoing conflict with neighbouring Ukraine. Russian weapons and military assets have entered Ukrainian airspace through Belarus, and there have been reports of Russian drones straying off course and entering Belarusian territory.

The EU has closed its airspace to Belarusian-registered aircraft

Belarus has not been declared a no-fly zone, but several countries have issued warnings and partial restrictions on their aircraft from entering Belarusian airspace. The US, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK have all issued warnings to their operators, and some have banned their aircraft from entering Belarusian airspace.

These measures were implemented in response to the Belarusian authorities' interception of an international Ryanair flight bound for Lithuania on May 23, 2021. The flight was forced to land in Minsk, and several passengers were forcibly removed from the plane. This incident raised serious doubts about Belarus's respect for international civil aviation rules and the safety of civilian flights in Belarusian airspace.

Additionally, Belarus declared a partial no-fly zone for civilian aircraft in February 2022, which applied to altitudes from zero to 19,800 meters along its border. This restriction was lifted in September 2024, but it is important to note that the situation in Belarus remains unpredictable due to its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The US, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany have issued warnings or bans to their operators regarding the airspace of Belarus

Belarus has been a partial no-fly zone for civilian aircraft since February 24, 2022. The decision was taken by the Belarusian Defense Ministry to ensure safe traffic in Belarusian airspace. The zone was restricted to altitudes from zero to 19,800 meters.

In addition to Belarus' own no-fly zone, several countries have issued warnings or bans to their operators regarding the airspace of Belarus. The US, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany have taken such actions due to safety concerns and the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ukraine.

United States

US operators are prohibited from entering the airspace of Belarus, specifically the Minsk Flight Information Region (FIR), due to the potential safety-of-flight risks associated with the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine. This ban includes all US air carriers, commercial operators, and operators of civil aircraft registered in the US.

Canada

Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are prohibited from entering the Minsk FIR due to potential risks from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations. This restriction is in place to ensure the safety of Canadian citizens and aircraft.

France

French operators have been advised not to enter Belarusian airspace due to the conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. This warning aims to protect French operators and aircraft from potential risks.

Italy

Italian operators, including air carriers and captains of aircraft, have been requested to avoid the Minsk FIR. This instruction applies to Italian operators providing air services managed by carriers holding operating licenses issued by Italy.

Germany

German civil air operators have been recommended not to enter the Minsk FIR within 200 nautical miles of the Ukrainian airspace boundary. This warning is due to the potential risk from military activity in the region.

These warnings and bans from the US, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany reflect the ongoing safety and security concerns regarding the airspace of Belarus. It is important for operators and aircraft from these countries to adhere to these instructions to ensure their safety and avoid potential risks.

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