Pegasus Turned Moscow Flights Back Hours After Zelensky Said Russia's Sky Is Closing
Ukraine's long-range drone volume is forcing Russia to halt its own flights, and that is changing the risk calculation for the foreign carriers that still profit from shorter routes across the country.
Ukraine's long-range drone volume is forcing Russia to halt its own flights, and that is changing the risk calculation for the foreign carriers that still profit from shorter routes across the country.
Pegasus Airlines cancelled and turned back Moscow flights overnight into Sept. 2, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace was becoming unsafe, Meduza reported.
Flight PC1456 from Bodrum was cancelled during boarding. PC1521 from Izmir and PC1576 from Antalya reversed course, PC1576 over Lithuania, per APA's Russia bureau. Pegasus then cancelled dozens of services linking Istanbul, Antalya, Izmir and Dalaman with Moscow and St. Petersburg, including return legs, The Moscow Times found. A Pegasus representative told passengers that "the Turkish side is prohibiting departures."
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Zelensky actually say to airlines?
In his Sept. 1 address he warned every airline, insurer and airport user that Russian airspace is "becoming completely unsafe" and "will effectively be closing," while saying Ukraine does not target civilian aircraft, per The Guardian and Reuters.
Which flights did Pegasus cancel or turn back?
PC1456 from Bodrum was cancelled during boarding, and PC1521 from Izmir and PC1576 from Antalya returned to Turkey, per APA and Meduza. Dozens of later Turkey-Russia services were then cancelled, The Moscow Times found.
Why do drones disrupt flights without hitting anything?
Russia's Kovyor ("Carpet") plan suspends flights whenever a drone is detected in the area, the BBC explains. Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin told Interfax such closures "will definitely" continue.
Which airlines still fly through Russian airspace?
Chinese, Turkish, UAE and other Gulf carriers, which save time and fuel on Asia-Europe routes; EU and U.S. carriers have avoided it since February 2022, per Reuters.
How many long-range drones is Ukraine launching?
About 300 a day on average, with a stated target of 1,000, Zelensky said on Aug. 29. Meduza estimates each costs about $50,000 and fewer than half reach their target.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.