Russian Airspace Closed: Why Did Air Routes Change?
In February 2022, as the war in Ukraine broke out, Western countries began imposing heavy sanctions on Russia.Closure of Russian airspace Yes. Several countries, including Europe, the United States, Canada and Japan, blocked Russian aircraft from their airspace, and in retaliation, Russia also closed its airspace to Western airlines.
With this one measure Huge cracks in major air routes around the world This came into being. In particular, flights from Asia to Europe, which used to pass almost in a straight line over Russian territory, now Detour route This is a situation where you have to find it.
For more detailed background, The Guardian
How have flight times and fares changed to Europe?
As the route over Russian airspace disappears, flights to Europe Flight time increased from 1 to 3 hours I am doing it.
As flight times increase, fuel consumption increases, as well as pilot labor and aircraft operating costs. As a result, the price of air tickets to Europe is rising. This is why some Korean passengers Middle Eastern airlines (Emirates, Qatar) or Indian Airlines We are choosing a detour route via .
As a result, the damage is being passed on not only to airlines but also to consumers. However, in this situation, there is a place that is reaping the benefits. That place is none other than India.
👉 Next article In, how Indian Airlines emerged as the winner of the roundabout route to Europe. Let's take a look.
How is Indian Airlines smiling?
After the closure of Russian airspace, Indian airlines faced unexpected window of opportunity opened.Air India The airline has traditionally not had a large presence in direct flights between Europe and Asia, but has recently expanded its presence on the Europe-India-East Asia route. Rising as a hub I am doing it.
Why is that?
✔ Thanks to friendly diplomatic relations between Russia and India, Indian airlines can still fly over Russian airspace. ✔ Thanks to this, the route Shorter and cheaper to fuel It remains to be done. ✔ While competing airlines struggle to use alternative routes, India Stopover + Relatively low cost flights is attracting passengers.
This trend is being promoted by the Indian government. It also aligns with the “Aviation Hub Strategy” , giving wings to plans to make New Delhi and Mumbai hubs of Asia-Europe connectivity.
Airways are also diplomacy: Geopolitics of the sky
International air routes are no longer simply a matter of time and price. Geopolitical Issues are closely intertwined with each other.
✈ Profitability on European routes is declining ✈ On the other hand, the relative competitiveness of routes to India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East is increasing.
In these changes, Korea is required to make the following strategic judgments.
✔ Expand aviation agreements with India and Middle Eastern countries to secure alternative routes ✔ Investment in long-distance aviation infrastructure to maintain Incheon Airport’s hub function ✔ Redesigning its role as a ‘return point’ in Asia in the long term
This unexpected change brought about by the war goes beyond short-term issues, Shaking up the international air travel structure in the next five years It's very likely.
Aviation trends that travelers and international students should know
The restrictions on Russian airspace due to the war in Ukraine are not simply a temporary issue.
These changes have significant implications for the entire international aviation industry, Airlines of each country, including Korea, are in a situation where they need to seek new strategies and cooperation methods.
The outlook for the future is as follows: ✔ If the Russian airspace restriction is prolonged, the cost of operating the bypass route may increase, leading to an increase in air ticket prices. ✔ Strengthening aviation hubs in India and the Middle East accelerates hub competition in Asia ✔ Technological innovation and eco-friendly policies emerge as new competitive factors
Both airline industry players and travelers must be sensitive to these changes. It is essential to reorganize aviation infrastructure and policies, especially from a long-term perspective.
For more information, see the international aviation status and policy analysis IATA (International Air Transport Association) Economic Report Please refer to .
Execution Checklist
Continue to monitor route changes and cost increases due to Russian airspace restrictions.
Actively review partnerships and hub strategies with Indian and Middle Eastern airlines.
Review domestic and international aviation infrastructure investment plans and prepare to strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Develop plans to respond to the introduction of new technologies and changes in environmental policies.
Maintain customer trust by enhancing the provision of flight change and route information to travelers.
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