Scandal: Flights between Moscow and Minsk disrupted

Rosaviatsia, the Russian air agency, withdrew the air operator's certificate for Belarus's air company Belavia.

Air transportation between Minsk and Moscow was stopped on March 26.

BelaPAN news agency learned this from the deputy general director of Belavia national air company, Ihar Charhinets.

“The Russian air authorities stopped transportation between Minsk and Moscow,” he said. According to him, the reasons for the decision will be given at a press conference, which is scheduled for 11:00 am today in the company office.

“As for now, all flights to Moscow have been cancelled. A Belavia representative showed a telegram saying Rosaviatsia revoked the air operator's license of Belavia and stopped accepting Belarusian jets. In response, Minsk stopped accepting flights from Moscow,” BelaPAN learned from passenger Ivan Rak, who was going to fly to Moscow at 7 am today.

Passengers are waiting for resolution of the problem at the airport.

The Belarusian and Russian companies were reported at 10 am to have lifted a prohibition on air transportation between Minsk and Moscow, Anatoly, Husarau, the general director of Belavia national air company, said.

“We have just learned the Russians have lifted the prohibition on flights. We lift our bans as well,” the company general director said.

“But the decision on lifting the prohibition is temporal – until Thursday,” Husarau said. “We will start negotiations on air transportation between Minsk and Moscow on Thursday,” he added.