Turkey warns Russian airlines that service of their flights could be suspended

This is reported by the Aviatorshchina Telegram channel, referring to an email received by Russian airlines.

Turkey's largest ground handling operator has warned Russian airlines of the risks of not servicing 170 aircraft at Turkish airports that have been subject to US export sanctions, which prohibit refuelling, maintenance and repair of such aircraft abroad.

The handling company Havaş has advised them to plan flights to Turkey only on aircraft containing less than 25% of US-origin technology, as these are the only aircraft it is allowed to service.

The Havaş letter was sent to some Russian airlines in late December. It states that the Bureau of Industry and Security of the US Department of Commerce has sent warning letters to Turkish airline companies that servicing American aircraft of Russian and Belarusian airlines that are subject to US export restrictions is a violation of the Export Administration Regulations.

In this regard, Havaş decided to conduct due diligence to identify the risks and implications for its business and stakeholders. 

"As a result of this, we may find ourselves unable to serve some or all of your flights," the Turkish operator warned Russian airlines. They asked the airlines to provide a list of aircraft containing less than 25% of American-made parts.

• Recently it was reported that in December, senior US officials warned Turkish individuals of imprisonment, fines, and loss of export privileges if they provided fueling and spare parts for the US-made aircraft flying to and from Russia and Belarus in violation of export controls imposed last spring.