Russia’s war on Ukraine redraws the map of the sky – but not for China

CNN Travel writes about it. 

Amidst the early days of the Ukraine invasion, the EU and Russia closed their airspace to each other, which remains in effect. After almost three years of Covid border closures, China's reopening is welcome news to the recovering tourism markets. However, some in the European aviation industry argue that it creates an unfair playing field. According to the article, Chinese airlines may have an easier time restoring air links compared to European airlines.

CNN notes that European carriers flying to Asia avoid Russian airspace for political and security reasons, resulting in longer flight times and increased fuel usage. European airlines, including British Airways, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Finnair, have had routes and flight times affected by the closure of Russian airspace. Finnair has been hit the most due to its proximity to Russia, with a flight between Helsinki and Singapore now travels an additional 1,400 kilometers (2,250 miles). This puts European airlines at a competitive disadvantage, according to Laurent Donceel, managing director of Airlines for Europe (A4E).

“Because Beijing and Moscow are still friends, direct, quicker routes remain open over Russian airspace, requiring less fuel and bringing better profits,” the article reads.

Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith called it an "unfair advantage" in a February interview with the Financial Times. China Eastern's direct flights take 12 hours, while Air France takes 14 hours. Lufthansa's direct flight from Frankfurt to Beijing takes 11 hours, while Air China only needs nine hours. Virgin Atlantic ended its London to Hong Kong route in March due to the logistical impact of the detour caused by the closure of Russian airspace. Founder of Virgin Group Richard Branson supports a ban on all Chinese carriers flying to the UK via Russian airspace, saying it indirectly supports the Kremlin's war effort. 

It is noted that commercial airlines have been unable to use Russian airspace bordering Ukraine due to the ongoing invasion. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) advises airlines flying over Moscow-administered airspace to exercise caution due to heightened military activity, including mid-range missile launches. The 2014 Malaysian Airline MH17 tragedy, where a missile from Russia's 53rd anti-aircraft missile brigade shot down the plane, highlights the risk of flying in proximity to active conflict zones. Chinese airlines' European routes do not fly near Ukraine airspace, entering or departing Russian airspace above the Baltic Sea. 

The article concludes that, while it remains to be seen if Chinese travelers are concerned about the risks of flying through any Russian airspace, European airlines could face more challenges on routes between Europe and East or Southeast Asia as the war in Ukraine continues.