The European Union bans Belarusian aircraft from airspace and airports

As of tonight, planes from Belarus are no longer allowed to fly through the airspace of the European Union and therefore not to land at the airports of the member states of the European Union. Brussels’ decision is a reaction to the stopover of Ryanair in Minsk forced by Belarus on May 23. On board was the critical journalist Roman Protasevich, who was removed from the plane and detained.

A statement issued by the European Union stated that the closure of the airspace of Belarusian aircraft will enter into force at midnight.

On Wednesday, the European Air Traffic Safety Agency (EASA) had already issued a directive for aircraft from the European Union. They should avoid Belarusian airspace unless there is an emergency. As a result, some flights to Asia may take longer and be more expensive.

20 destinations

Until recently, the Belarusian airline Belavia flew to 20 destinations in Europe, including airports in Germany, France, Italy and Austria.

Belarusian President Lukashenko defended Protasevich’s arrest by claiming that the journalist organized an uprising. He accuses the West of seeking to undermine his regime.

This week, Belarusian state television broadcast a Interview With Protacevic who probably eased under pressure. Outgoing Foreign Minister Kag spoke about today’s interview “Awesome show”.

Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who fled Belarus after last year’s presidential elections, called on the G7 of Poland to cooperate in imposing new sanctions on the regime in Minsk.