The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has called for a suspension of flights to five Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Rostov-on-Don, and Samara, following the attack on an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) passenger aircraft by a Russian air defense system in Grozny, which led to a crash in Aktau.

Axar.az reports that EASA based its recommendation on the ongoing war against Ukraine. The agency emphasized that civil aircraft can be unintentionally targeted above Russia due to possible civil-military coordination deficiencies, and the potential for misidentification.

"In particular, the activation of Russian air defence systems, capable of operating at all altitudes, in response to Ukrainian missile and drone launches, which have extended deep inside Russian territory, may have a direct impact on flight operations at several locations, including major international airports,” the agency noted.

Currently, no EU airline operates flights to Russia or over Russian airspace, so EASA's recommendation is directed at third-country carriers who continue such operations despite the risks related to the ongoing war.

The recommendation will remain in effect until July 31, 2025, but may be reviewed or revoked earlier depending on the security situation.

Seven foreign airlines have already decided to partially cancel flights to Russia. Among them are Kazakhstan’s "Qazaq Air," Israel’s "El Al," Dubai’s "Flydubai," Serbia’s "Air Serbia," Uzbekistan’s "Qanot Sharq," and Turkmenistan Airlines.