Russia is calling on the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO) to lift sanctions on spare parts and overflights, citing safety concerns. The plea comes ahead of the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montréal, Canada. Russia is dismissing a largely global response to the war in Ukraine, saying that “unlawful coercive measures” violate people’s right to free movement.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been left without direct access to Western-made parts to support the country’s Airbus and 
Boeing fleets. As such, Russian carriers have been forced to find creative ways to import spare parts. Meanwhile, the US recently lifted sanctions on the Belarusian national airline Belavia.
Asking For Relief On Sanctions
As reported by Reuters, Russian authorities are trying to reach an agreement with aviation leaders to ease sanctions, particularly on spare parts, which Russia says are critical for flight safety. Meanwhile, ICAO, a UN agency, has condemned Russia for violating Ukraine’s airspace sovereignty and dual registration of aircraft.
Moscow said the sanctions run counter to global rules, according to working papers submitted before the assembly. Russia is also working on getting elected to ICAO’s 36-state governing council. The country did not receive enough votes at the last ICAO Assembly in 2022 following its invasion of Ukraine. Russia urges ICAO to stop other states from applying sanctions on civil aviation, as quoted by one Russian paper.
“The ICAO is required to take all practical measures to prevent states from applying politically biased, discriminatory and coercive measures in the field of international civil aviation.”
Restrictions On Russia’s Aviation Industry
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia immediately faced multiple sanctions from the US, the EU, and several other countries. Sanctions on the country’s aviation sector included airspace bans, with Western countries closing their skies to Russian carriers and restricting their own carriers from overflying Russia. The country also faced restrictions on aircraft leasing, import and export of aircraft, parts, and materials, as well as finance and insurance restrictions.
The working papers also criticize the closure of flights operated by Russian airlines to 37 countries, as well as on aircraft maintenance and insurance. Meanwhile, Russia’s attempt to join the ICAO council has already faced backlash. A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said the North American country was aware of Russia’s candidacy for the ICAO council and does not support the election.
While airlines continue to operate domestically and internationally, the sanctions have severely impacted Russia’s civil aviation sector. As the world’s largest country by area, it heavily relies on commercial aircraft to carry passengers and cargo across its 11 time zones. A Russian aviation source told Reuters that the country’s Airbus and Boeing fleets are aging and not all parts can be imported through “grey schemes.” As such, a significant number of Western aircraft could be grounded.
Maintaining Western Aircraft In Russia
Following the war and sanctions, Russia managed to keep over 400 aircraft that belonged to international lessors by confiscating them, although some of them were eventually paid for. However, without new aircraft deliveries, the average fleet age is rising, while maintenance remains a major challenge. Russia has been able to source parts through its “allies,” but supply is often irregular and expensive.
The situation raises safety concerns, with some authorities warning that Russian carriers could be operating aircraft without adequate maintenance. Russia has seen several plane crashes since 2022, resulting in many casualties. An Angara Airlines Antonov An-24 recently crashed in Southeastern Russia, killing all 48 people onboard.
Meanwhile, the US has eased restrictions on Minsk-based Belavia, exempting it from sanctions that were imposed on Belarus and state-owned companies, following Belarus’ support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move came after Belarus agreed to free 52 political prisoners. The lifting of sanctions will allow the carrier to legally source aircraft and spare parts, although some experts warn this could allow parts to reach Russia.
