In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Government of Canada has closed Canadian airspace to all Russian aircraft operators. Announced yesterday, the ban went into immediate effect.
There are currently no direct flights between Canada and Russia, but several Russian flights typically fly through Canadian airspace daily, enroute to U.S. destinations.
"The Government of Canada is prohibiting the operation of Russian-owned, chartered or operated aircraft in Canadian airspace, including in the airspace above Canada's territorial waters. This airspace closure is effective immediately and will remain until further notice," a government press release stated.
"All of Canada is united in its outrage of President Putin's aggression against Ukraine. In response, we have closed Canadian airspace to Russian-owned or operated aircraft. The Government of Canada condemns Russia's aggressive actions, and we will continue to take action to stand with Ukraine," said Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra.
"Canada will continue to do everything it can against the Russian regime's aggression," said Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly. "We are united with our allies in our unwavering support to Ukraine and are working to bring this unprovoked war to an end."
Global News is reporting that an Aeroflot flight from Miami to Moscow passed through Canadian airspace on Sunday after the flight ban was announced.
A spokesperson for Canada's transport minister told Global News that air traffic control manager NAV Canada had mistakenly permitted a banned aircraft into Canadian airspace and steps were being taken to ensure it did not happen again.
Transport Canada said on Twitter Sunday evening that it will launch a review of both Aeroflot's conduct and NAV Canada's response.
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