Russian Airports Suspend Flights Over Security Concerns

Uzbek airline Qanot Sharq is reducing flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg from January 20 to March 6 due to scheduled maintenance of Airbus A320 aircraft, marking the seventh airline to limit services to Russia after the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane. The crash, which killed 38 passengers, is believed to be linked to an outside impact, with some sources alleging Russian military involvement. In a similar response, Air Serbia has halted ticket sales for flights to Kazan and Sochi following the crash, while still operating flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Concurrently, Russian airports in Nizhnekamsk, Izhevsk, and Perm temporarily suspended all flight activities due to unspecified security concerns, likely related to risks of Ukrainian drone strikes. These developments highlight increasing tensions and safety concerns in the region affecting airline operations and passenger services. Airlines continue to navigate these challenges with varying responses to the ongoing situation.