This suspension was extended until further notice on 24 February 2022, following the closure of Ukrainian airspace. In light of the current situation in the region, we've decided to suspend our flights to and from Russia and our flights through Russian airspace until further notice as of 26 February 2022.
United, British Airways, and Finnair are all avoiding the area. Russia's airspace is closed to many global airlines, forcing carriers to detour around the nation. Routes to and from Asia are up to four hours longer.
The normal flightpath crosses Scandinavia and then follows the north coast of Russia for around 2,000 miles before turning south and crossing Siberia and the Sea of Japan. It benefits from the prevailing jet stream, enabling it to average almost 550mph.
While U.S., European and Japanese carriers have stopped flying over Russia, Air India and some Gulf-based and Chinese airlines continue to do so, making flying times shorter and giving them a cost edge over competitors.