European airlines are in serious financial trouble after sanctions on Russia

The closure of Russian airspace, a consequence of Western sanctions due to the conflict in Ukraine, has posed significant challenges for European carriers on their flights to Asia.

This redirection of routes results in greater fuel consumption and increased operating costs, as reported by Politico Europe.

Western sanctions, which included closing airspace to Russian airlines, provoked retaliation from Moscow.

Aircraft from countries considered hostile by Russia were banned from its airspace, forcing changes to the usual routes of European companies. This scenario increased operational costs and extended the duration of flights between Europe and Asia.

Willie Walshgeneral director of International Air Transport Association (IATA)highlighted that the difficulties faced by European carriers are not related to safety or security issues, but are reflections of a broader policy. According to him, European airlines are “victims of politics”.

Carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways e LOT of Poland were forced to suspend some of their routes to Asia.

At the same time, Chinese and other non-European airlines took advantage of the situation to increase their direct flights between the two continents, as they are not affected by the sanctions.

Aletta von MassenbachCEO of Berlin Airport, expressed concern about the competitive disadvantage imposed on European carriers, citing as an example the difference in routes between Berlin and Beijing operated by German and Chinese companies.

Research by the German Aerospace Center highlighted the impact of these changes, revealing an increase in travel time and operating costs, resulting in higher airfares. Finnair’s Helsinki-Beijing flight, for example, now includes almost four additional hours of travel time.

Marjan RintelCEO yes Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM)argued that the European Union must adopt financial measures to balance competition with Chinese airlines, which continue to use Russian airspace without restrictions.

The European Commission promised to review the competitive issue on international routes. Meanwhile, the airline industry remains skeptical about the effectiveness of the measures that will be adopted by Brussels.

Chinese airlines, such as China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, have been expanding their presence in Europe.

China Eastern announced increasing its capacity to 19 routes and 244 weekly round trips last summer, while Air China operates 32 routes with 53 daily flights, exceeding 2019 levels by 116%.

Willie Walsh expressed hope that an end to the conflict in Ukraine could lead to a normalization of operations. “Maybe this is an illusion, but I imagine this is what everyone wants to see,” he concluded.

With information from RT