Russia closed its airspace to companies from countries deemed hostile at the end of February 2022. The number of air users between Asia and the rest of the world has plateaued for two years below 10% of 2019 levels.
In April, passenger volumes on these routes tripled year-on-year, according to the International Air Transport Association. "We would like Russian airspace to be open to everyone," said Willie Walsh, the organization's director-general. "This is a political decision, which can only be taken when peace returns," he concluded.