Russia extends overflight approvals for US airlines, after airspace drama that hit planes bound for Hong Kong and Beijing

The six-month extension could head off uncertainty over ‘geopolitical issues’ that forced American Airlines planes to land midway through flights to Asia on Saturday

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An American Airlines plane takes off from Los Angeles International airport. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:10pm, 18 Apr 2018Updated: 12:48pm, 18 Apr 2018

Russia has agreed to extend overflight approvals for US airlines by six months, the US State Department said, hours before the previous agreement was due to expire.

The agreement that allows US carriers to fly over Russia had been due to expire at 11.59pm GMT on Tuesday.

The State Department said the extension was for operations on three routes until October 28, 2018. It did not specify the routes.

Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Transport extended approvals for all cargo flights from Asia to Europe through April 20 but proposed an alternative route after that date, which was being discussed, the State Department said.

American Airlines planes were forced to land midway through “non-stop” flights to Hong Kong and Beijing at the weekend due to “restricted airspace” issues over Russia. File photo: Agence France-Presse

American Airlines planes flying from Dallas and Chicago to Hong Kong and Beijing had been forced to land midway through their journeys on Saturday after non-stop services were suspended due to “restricted airspace” over Russia, an issue the airline blamed on “geopolitical issues”. Those flights returned to normal on Sunday night.

“We are also working to schedule discussions with Russian civil aviation officials to discuss this and other civil aviation matters,” the State Department said on Tuesday. “Our goal remains to provide as many benefits as possible for US carriers.”

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