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Russia Presses ICAO to Ease Aviation Sanctions as Montreal Assembly Opens

EU officials oppose Russia's push to regain a council seat.

Overview

  • Moscow submitted working papers labeling sanctions as unlawful coercive measures and seeking relief for spare parts and overflights.
  • ICAO has previously condemned Russia over Ukraine airspace violations and dual aircraft registration, and both the EU and Canada say they will not support Russia’s council bid.
  • Since 2022, Western restrictions have cut off access to parts, pushing airlines to keep more than 700 Airbus and Boeing jets flying via indirect imports, with aging fleets and possible groundings reported.
  • Recent incidents cited by both sides include a July An-24 crash that killed 48 and Aeroflot’s mass flight disruptions after a cyberattack.
  • Russia’s move follows a partial U.S. easing for Belarusian carrier Belavia, with analysts warning that any exemptions risk spare parts being diverted despite new limits.