Following the “state-sponsored hijacking” a Ryanair aircraft, which was forced to divert to Minsk airport by Belarus air force jets, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has suspended all foreign carrier permits held by Belarusian air carriers “until further notice”. The suspension applies to both scheduled operators, including the Belarusian airline Belavia, as well as chartered air carriers.
“The Civil Aviation Authority has also issued a notice to all UK registered airlines requesting that they avoid overflight of any territory of the Republic of Belarus”.
European leaders at a meeting in Brussels have also agreed to increase sanctions against Belarus and to ban its state airline from EU airports, including restrictions for Europe airlines to avoid Belarus airspace.
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, said Belarus’s explanations for the landing of the aircraft were “completely implausible”.