Zelenski Urges Airlines to Avoid Russian Airspace as Drone Threat Escalates

President Volodymyr Zelenski has formally warned airlines, insurers and Russian airports that the sky over Russia is becoming increasingly dangerous as Ukrainian drone operations intensify. In a nightly video address, he said that while Ukraine “does not threaten civilian aviation as such”, it will continue to launch missiles and drones inside Russian territory, “so there will simply be drones in Russia’s skies on a scale that has to be taken into account.”

“We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous,” Zelenski said. Ukraine has formally notified the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization that civil aircraft cannot safely operate over the region.

Major carriers that still fly through Russia – including Qatar Airways, Pegasus and FlyDubai – have begun monitoring flight paths closely. Qatar was quoted as saying that its flight‑planning is “guided by rigorous and continuous monitoring of airspace security, safety assessments, and geopolitical developments.” Pegasus had cancelled flights to Russia for technical reasons but continued to assert that future flights “are operating as scheduled.” FlyDubai stated it would adjust schedules “as necessary.”

FlightRadar24 data shows only a few cancellations from the main Russian airports, but Ukrainian drone strikes have repeatedly disrupted operations at Moscow’s four largest airports, forcing delays and temporary shutdowns. Aviation risk advisers warn that while the bulk of strikes are near the border, attacks deeper inside Russia are likely to continue this year, increasing the risk of misidentification and accidental engagements.

The advisory comes amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s criticism of the warning as a “declaration of state terrorism.” Meanwhile, airlines continue to weigh the safety versus the fuel and time savings of routes through Russian airspace, a trade‑off that brings new operational costs and safety protocols to the fore.

For ongoing updates on civil aviation in the conflict zone and other related news, follow the provided links.