Operators from Turkey and the Gulf have started filling the void.
As a result of the invasion of Ukraine, the aviation sector has been subject to a number of limitations. As a result, some European airlines are currently forced to fly lengthy diversions over Alaska or the Middle East to avoid Russian airspace.
This aspect not only caused noticeably longer travel times that would cost an airline more, but will also have a greater environmental impact due to higher fuel usage. As a result, companies like Finnair have lost market share to their Asian rivals and had to halt several of their flights to Asia.
substantial change
According to independent advice firm Alton Aviation Consultancy, in a conversation with Easy Flying, Russian airlines have also lost market share as a result of these restrictions to their Middle Eastern and Turkish rivals, who saw market share increases of roughly 20% between 2019 and 2022.
Since the commencement of the war in Ukraine, Turkish Airlines is the most frequent airline that still flies to Russia. It offered 373 million seat miles to Russians last summer while operating 1,395 services around the country. Much to think about
Air services between Turkey and Russia have not always been easy to use. As an example, it was stated earlier this month that Turkish ground handling personnel may quit maintaining Boeing airplanes operated by Russian carriers. Overall, there is pressure on businesses to adhere to the country’s sanctions.
Significantly, support for aircraft operated by Russian operators has been discontinued by western OEMs like Boeing and Airbus, including all spare parts, maintenance, and technical services. Many in the industry think that future deliveries and the resumption of support will be unlikely as a result of the unilateral deregistration of Western-owned aircraft leased to Russian operators.
The managing director, Mabel Kwan, and engagement manager Alan Lim of Alton explained:
“The Russian aircraft industry is moving in the direction of independence, but results won’t be seen for some time. Until now, Russian operators have relied on stealing parts from other foreign-built aircraft to keep their aircraft in the air.
However, this is only a temporary fix, as industry executives estimate that the current spare inventories and parts on the aircraft can only sustain operations for less than a year. Opportunities in the Middle East
Yet, a number of airlines from nearby countries joined Turkish Airlines and compatriot Pegasus in continuing to transport former Russian airline passengers to destinations all over the world. Several airlines, including flydubai, Emirates, Air Arabia, Etihad, El Al, Egyptair, Qatar Airlines, and Gulf Air, took advantage of the situation and continued connecting travelers after the bans were imposed.
In the form of Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, several of these operators already have powerful centers. It’s hardly shocking to see how rapidly they can meet demand as a result. Jazeera Airlines started operating this month. An Airbus A320neo was used by the Kuwaiti airline to launch service to Moscow Domodedovo.
Not only Russian airlines, but a number of nearby airlines also suffer from having to take the circuitous route through prohibited areas. Sanctions against Russia and restrictions on airspace are probably going to last for the duration of this chapter. As a result, Middle Eastern countries will continue to benefit from their location.
