Russia
Risk Level: One - Do Not Fly
[ about risk levels ]
As of June 2025, drone attacks across Russia are ramping up, with some reaching as far as Siberia, and that’s increasing the risk for any aircraft still using Russian airspace. Hundreds of drones have been shot down recently, including in areas around Moscow. Russian air defense systems are using surface-to-air missiles capable of reaching all altitudes, so the risk applies at every level.
While most operators avoid Russian airspace completely, those still flying there for overflights or trips to Russian cities should be prepared for sudden closures or reroutes. Most of this activity happens at night, but daytime disruptions are now common too.
Ukraine's airspace has remained fully closed to civil aviation since the Russian invasion in Feb 2022. On the Russian side, large parts of airspace near the border have also remained restricted. Several countries continue to prohibit their operators from using Russian airspace near the FIR boundaries with Ukraine, due to the persistent risk posed by the conflict.
The primary risk is an unintended targeting of civil aircraft by military near the Russia-Ukraine border, including misidentification (as with MAS17, UIA752).
Major events:
Jan 2025: EASA issued a new CZIB recommending against flights in Western Russia (anywhere west of 60 deg E) due to the threat of anti-aircraft fire. There is a high-danger of misidentification by air defence systems targeting Ukrainian drones and missiles. This follows the shoot down of a passenger jet at URMG/Grozny on Dec 25.
Jan 2024: Crash of military transport aircraft in Russian airspace near Belgarod, approx 20nm from the Ukrainian border. Both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of shooting it down.
Aug 2023: The private jet carrying Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed en route from Moscow to St Petersburg on Aug 23. Speculation that the crash was due to a bomb onboard.
July 2023 - ongoing: Several incidents of drone strikes on targets in Moscow and surrounding region. Not all of these are repelled by Russian air defences, with some drones damaging buildings, and Moscow airports being forced to close temporarily on many occasions. These types of events are becoming more frequent inside Russian airspace - air defence activity can put civil aircraft at extra risk.
Read: OPSGROUP article: Ukraine and Russia Update March 2022
While most operators avoid Russian airspace completely, those still flying there for overflights or trips to Russian cities should be prepared for sudden closures or reroutes. Most of this activity happens at night, but daytime disruptions are now common too.
Ukraine's airspace has remained fully closed to civil aviation since the Russian invasion in Feb 2022. On the Russian side, large parts of airspace near the border have also remained restricted. Several countries continue to prohibit their operators from using Russian airspace near the FIR boundaries with Ukraine, due to the persistent risk posed by the conflict.
The primary risk is an unintended targeting of civil aircraft by military near the Russia-Ukraine border, including misidentification (as with MAS17, UIA752).
Major events:
Jan 2025: EASA issued a new CZIB recommending against flights in Western Russia (anywhere west of 60 deg E) due to the threat of anti-aircraft fire. There is a high-danger of misidentification by air defence systems targeting Ukrainian drones and missiles. This follows the shoot down of a passenger jet at URMG/Grozny on Dec 25.
Jan 2024: Crash of military transport aircraft in Russian airspace near Belgarod, approx 20nm from the Ukrainian border. Both Russia and Ukraine accused each other of shooting it down.
Aug 2023: The private jet carrying Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed en route from Moscow to St Petersburg on Aug 23. Speculation that the crash was due to a bomb onboard.
July 2023 - ongoing: Several incidents of drone strikes on targets in Moscow and surrounding region. Not all of these are repelled by Russian air defences, with some drones damaging buildings, and Moscow airports being forced to close temporarily on many occasions. These types of events are becoming more frequent inside Russian airspace - air defence activity can put civil aircraft at extra risk.
Read: OPSGROUP article: Ukraine and Russia Update March 2022
Current warnings list :
| Source | Reference | Issued | Valid to | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | Notam LIRR E0708/25 | 31 Mar 2025 | 29 Jun 2025 | |
| EASA | CZIB 2025-01 | 09 Jan 2025 | 31 Jul 2025 | |
| USA | FAA Information Note Russia/Ukraine | 14 Nov 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Germany | AIC 04/25 | 25 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| USA | Notam KICZ A0005/22 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| Canada | AIC 12/25 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing | |
| France | AIC 15/24 | 24 Feb 2022 | Ongoing |
Source: Italy
Reference: Notam LIRR E0708/25
Issued: 31-Mar-25, valid until: 29 Jun 2025
Plain English: Italian operators are prohibited from the URRV/Rostov FIR, as well as any Russian airspace within 200nm of the Russia/Ukraine border. They must do a risk assessment if planning to operate in the UUWV/Moscow, ULLL/St Petersburg, or UWWW/Samara FIRs.
ITALIAN AIR CARRIERS AND CAPTAINS OF AIRCRAFT IN CHARGE OF AIR SERVICES OPERATED BY CARRIERS HOLDING AN OPERATING LICENSE ISSUED BY ITALY, WHETHER THEY ARE CONTRACTUAL CARRIERS AND/OR OPERATING CARRIERS, OR PERFORMING AIR SERVICES THROUGH A WET LEASE OR A CODESHARE AGREEMENT AS WELL AS FOR ANY FLIGHT MADE WITH AN AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN ITALY SHALL NOT ENTER UIR KYIV UKBU, FIR LVIV UKLV, FIR KYIV UKBV, FIR DNIPROPETROVSK UKDV, FIR SIMFEROPOL UKFV, FIR ODESA UKOV, FIR ROSTOV NA DONU URRV. SAID OPERATORS AND AIRCRAFT OWNERS SHALL ALSO AVOID FLIGHT OPS WITHIN BUFFER ZONE EXTENDED OUT 200 NM ALONG UKRAINE RUSSIA BORDER. FLIGHT OPS WITHIN CHISHINAU FIR LUUU SHALL ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN IN COMPLIANCE WITH AERONAUTICAL PUBLICATIONS ISSUED BY REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA. OPERATORS ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT FLIGHT OPS WITHIN MINSK FIR UMMV ARE PROHIBITED AND THAT ADDITIONAL RISK ASSESSMENT AND FLIGHT PLANNING DECISIONS SHALL BE TAKEN BEFORE OPERATING IN FIR UUWV, FIR ULLL, FIR USSV, FIR UWWW IN ACCORDANCE WITH EASA SAFETY DIRECTIVES. 31 MAR 09:16 2025 UNTIL 28 JUN 23:59 2025 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 31 MAR 09:16 2025
Source: EASA
Reference: CZIB 2025-01
Issued: 09-Jan-25, valid until: 31 Jul 2025
Plain English: EASA recommends operators do not enter the airspace of Western Russia (west of longitude 60 Degrees East) at any level due to a risk of misidentification and anti-aircraft fire.
A lack of military coordination and defence against Ukranian drone and missile attacks has significantly increased danger to civil aviation. Extensive GNSS interference is also cited.
A lack of military coordination and defence against Ukranian drone and missile attacks has significantly increased danger to civil aviation. Extensive GNSS interference is also cited.
Title: EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin: Airspace of the Russian Federation.
Click the link for the full text.
Click the link for the full text.
Source: USA
Reference: FAA Information Note Russia/Ukraine
Issued: 14-Nov-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: The Russia/Ukraine conflict spillover risk is increasing. Russia periodically launches missiles targeting Ukraine which transit Moldovan airspace. Reports of comms and GPS jamming outside the conflict zone, particularly over the Black Sea and Caspian Sea. Expanded drone activity, especially around Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
Title: FAA Information Note - Russia/Ukraine – Conflict Spillover Risks to U.S. Civil Aviation Increasing
Click the link for full text.
Click the link for full text.
Source: Germany
Reference: AIC 04/25
Issued: 25-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: German operators should not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
Level 2 warning (medium). Civil German air operators are recommended not to enter FIRs MOSCOW (UUWV), ROSTOV-NA DONU (URRV) and MINSK (UMMV) within 200nm from Ukrainian airspace and territory. Potential risk from military activity.
Source: USA
Reference: Notam KICZ A0005/22
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: US operators are prohibited from Russian airspace within 160nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine.
SECURITY..UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PROHIBITION FOR SPECIFIED AREAS OF THE MOSCOW(UUWV), SAMARA (UWWW) AND ROSTOV-NA DONU FIR (URRV) FLIGHT INFORMATION REGIONS. THOSE PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) BELOW ARE PROHIBITED FROM OPERATING AT ALL ALTITUDES IN THE MOSCOW FLIGHT INFORMATION REGION (FIR) (UUWV), THE SAMARA FIR (UWWW), AND THE ROSTOV-NA DONU FIR (URRV) WITHIN 160NM OF THE BOUNDARIES WITH THE DNIPRO FIR (UKDV), THE SIMFEROPOL FIR (UKFV), AND THE KYIV FIR (UKBV) (INCLUDES THAT PORTION OF THE KYIV UPPER INFORMATION REGION (UIR) (UKBU) AIRSPACE WITHIN THE LATERAL LIMITS OF THE UKDV, UKFV, AND UKBV FIRS) DUE TO SAFETY-OF FLIGHT RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ONGOING HOSTILITIES.
A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHEN THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
B. PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) ABOVE FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE-NAMED AREA WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS.
C. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY.
THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A), 44701(A)(5), AND 46105(C). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.
SFC - FL999, 24 FEB 19:30 2022 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 24 FEB 19:23 2022
A. APPLICABILITY. THIS NOTAM APPLIES TO: ALL U.S. AIR CARRIERS AND COMMERCIAL OPERATORS; ALL PERSONS EXERCISING THE PRIVILEGES OF AN AIRMAN CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE FAA, EXCEPT SUCH PERSONS OPERATING U.S.-REGISTERED AIRCRAFT FOR A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER; AND ALL OPERATORS OF CIVIL AIRCRAFT REGISTERED IN THE UNITED STATES, EXCEPT WHEN THE OPERATOR OF SUCH AIRCRAFT IS A FOREIGN AIR CARRIER.
B. PERMITTED OPERATIONS. THIS NOTAM DOES NOT PROHIBIT PERSONS DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH A (APPLICABILITY) ABOVE FROM CONDUCTING FLIGHT OPERATIONS IN THE ABOVE-NAMED AREA WHEN SUCH OPERATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED EITHER BY ANOTHER AGENCY OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FAA OR BY A DEVIATION, EXEMPTION, OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION ISSUED BY THE FAA ADMINISTRATOR. OPERATORS MUST CALL THE FAA WASHINGTON OPERATIONS CENTER AT 202-267-3333 TO INITIATE COORDINATION FOR FAA AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT OPERATIONS.
C. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. IN AN EMERGENCY REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DECISION AND ACTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT IN COMMAND OF AN AIRCRAFT MAY DEVIATE FROM THIS NOTAM TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY THAT EMERGENCY.
THIS NOTAM IS AN EMERGENCY ORDER ISSUED UNDER 49 USC 40113(A), 44701(A)(5), AND 46105(C). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED AT: HTTPS://WWW.FAA.GOV/AIR_TRAFFIC/PUBLICATIONS/US_RESTRICTIONS/.
SFC - FL999, 24 FEB 19:30 2022 UNTIL PERM. CREATED: 24 FEB 19:23 2022
Source: Canada
Reference: AIC 12/25
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: Canadian operators are prohibited from the URRV/Rostov FIR, and the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine in the UUWV/Moscow FIR.
Level 3 (prohibition)
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN UKRAINE. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are prohibited from entering FIR:
• Dnipropetrovsk (UKDV), Kiev (UKBV), L’viv (UKLV), Odesa (UKOV) and Simferopol (UKFV), in the airspace of Ukraine;
• FIR Rostov (URRV), in the airspace of Russia; and,
• Are prohibited from operating within 200nm of the boundaries of FIR UKDV and FIR UKBV in FIR Moscow (UUWV).
Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.
SECURITY – HAZARDOUS SITUATION IN UKRAINE. Canadian Air Operators and owners of aircraft registered in Canada are prohibited from entering FIR:
• Dnipropetrovsk (UKDV), Kiev (UKBV), L’viv (UKLV), Odesa (UKOV) and Simferopol (UKFV), in the airspace of Ukraine;
• FIR Rostov (URRV), in the airspace of Russia; and,
• Are prohibited from operating within 200nm of the boundaries of FIR UKDV and FIR UKBV in FIR Moscow (UUWV).
Potential risk from anti-aviation weaponry and military operations.
Source: France
Reference: AIC 15/24
Issued: 24-Feb-22, valid until: Ongoing
Plain English: French operators should not enter the airspace of Russia within 200nm of the FIR boundaries with Ukraine, and exercise caution in the rest of the UUWV/Moscow and URRV/Rostov FIRs.
From 27/06/2024 and until further notice, following the military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian federation which poses a high risk to civilian flights operating at all altitudes and at all flight levels, pilots in command of aircraft performing air services mentioned in paragraph 1.1 are requested:
- Not to enter FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR KYIV (UKBV), FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV) and FIR MINSK (UMMV);
- Not to enter within 200 nm of the Ukrainian border into the FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV) and
- Exercise extreme caution when conducting flights beyond 200 Nm of the Ukrainian borders in FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and FIR ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV).
- Not to enter FIR LVIV (UKLV), FIR KYIV (UKBV), FIR DNIPROPETROVSK (UKDV), FIR SIMFEROPOL (UKFV), FIR ODESA (UKOV) and FIR MINSK (UMMV);
- Not to enter within 200 nm of the Ukrainian border into the FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV) and
- Exercise extreme caution when conducting flights beyond 200 Nm of the Ukrainian borders in FIR MOSCOW (UUWV) and FIR ROSTOV-NA-DONU (URRV).