Airline group Lufthansa is now seeking the intervention of the German government after Russia prohibited its cargo flights from operating in Russian airspace on the 28th October. According to a spokesman from the carrier, the order seemed to have its origins in opposing opinions over the cost of carrying out flights over Russia. This, he added, had been followed by “intensive discussions� over the past few weeks.
The Russian ban has effectively forced Lufthansa into rerouting flights to Asia, with delays resulting from the need to now refuel in Kazakhstan.
“We understand that the German and Russian transport ministries are now discussing the matter,� the spokesman stated, adding: “We hope that a solution will be found very quickly.�
Germany Retaliates – Russian Cargo Flights Banned from Frankfurt
In a move that appeared to be retaliatory, on the 29th October, the German transport ministry placed its own ban on the cargo fleet operated by the Russian Aeroflot airline, under which terms its aircraft were not permitted to use Frankfurt’s Hahn Airport. This, however, was dropped the following day.
News of this decision reversal came from a Hahn Airport spokeswoman, who, referring to the reroutes, said of the consequent delays: “If…(they) continue for much longer, Lufthansa Cargo will see an economic impact.â€?
The aviation body in Germany delegated with allocating the rights to land has not yet commented on the situation, instead, suggesting relevant enquiries are posed to the German government.
Freight International will continue to provide unrivalled coverage of the German/Russian disagreement and its impact on the air cargo sector as we get the facts.
Source – Freight International’s European Correspondent
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