Russia Presses ICAO to Lift Aviation Sanctions Ahead of Assembly

Russia has formally requested that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ease sanctions related to spare parts and overflights, citing significant safety concerns. This appeal coincides with the upcoming 42nd ICAO Assembly scheduled to take place in Montréal, Canada. Russian officials argue that the sanctions, characterized as “unlawful coercive measures,” infringe upon the right to free movement for individuals.

Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has faced substantial challenges in maintaining its fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft. The country has lost direct access to Western-made parts, which has forced Russian airlines to seek alternative methods for sourcing necessary components. This situation is compounded by the recent easing of sanctions on the Belarusian national airline, Belavia, by the United States.

Negotiations for Sanction Relief

According to information from Reuters, Russian authorities are actively pursuing discussions with aviation leaders to negotiate relief from sanctions, particularly those impacting spare parts deemed critical for flight safety. The ICAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, has previously condemned Russia for infringing upon Ukraine’s airspace sovereignty and has raised concerns regarding the dual registration of aircraft.

In documents submitted prior to the assembly, Russian representatives asserted that the existing sanctions contradict global regulations. Russia is also seeking election to the ICAO’s governing council, a bid that was unsuccessful in the last assembly held in 2022 due to insufficient votes following the invasion of Ukraine. Officials from Russia have called for the ICAO to take decisive action against politically motivated sanctions that target civil aviation.

Impact on Russia’s Aviation Sector

Following the invasion of Ukraine, Russia encountered immediate sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and various other nations. These sanctions included bans on airspace access, which effectively barred Russian carriers from operating in Western airspace and prohibited Western airlines from flying over Russia. Additional restrictions have been placed on aircraft leasing, the import and export of aircraft and parts, as well as finance and insurance mechanisms.

The working papers presented by Russia also criticize the closure of flight routes operated by Russian airlines to 37 countries and highlight issues related to aircraft maintenance and insurance. Despite ongoing operations, these sanctions have severely disrupted Russia’s civil aviation industry, which is essential for transporting passengers and goods across the country’s vast territory.

A Russian aviation source indicated to Reuters that the aging fleets of Airbus and Boeing aircraft are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, as not all necessary parts can be acquired through alternative channels.

Maintaining Western Aircraft in Russia
In the wake of the conflict and subsequent sanctions, Russia has managed to retain over 400 aircraft that were originally leased from international companies by seizing them. Although some of these aircraft have been compensated for, the lack of new deliveries has resulted in an aging fleet. Maintenance also continues to pose significant challenges, as Russia has turned to “allied” nations for parts, which are often delivered irregularly and at high costs.

This situation raises grave safety concerns, with reports suggesting that Russian carriers may be operating aircraft without adequate maintenance, leading to an increase in incidents. Since 2022, there have been multiple plane crashes in Russia, resulting in tragic losses. A recent crash involving an Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 in Southeastern Russia resulted in the deaths of all 48 individuals aboard.

In a contrasting move, the United States has relaxed restrictions on Belavia, allowing the airline to legally procure aircraft and spare parts following Belarus’ agreement to release 52 political prisoners. While this easing of sanctions is viewed as a potential pathway for Belavia, some experts warn that it could inadvertently facilitate the flow of parts to Russia.

As the ICAO Assembly approaches, the outcome of Russia’s appeal and its efforts to reshape its aviation landscape will likely have significant implications for international civil aviation dynamics.