Fact Check: "Russia’s civil aviation agency Rosaviatsia later banned the country’s airlines from entering airspace above Israel, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until June 26."
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Russia's civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, issued a directive banning Russian airlines from entering the airspace above Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan. This decision followed a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, which heightened tensions in the region. According to Rosaviatsia, the ban is effective until 2:59 a.m. Moscow time on June 26, 2025, and aims to ensure flight safety amidst escalating conflict (The Moscow Times, Reuters). The agency's statement emphasized that the safety of flights is the top priority, and this directive also includes a prohibition on flights to and from airports in Israel and Iran (The Moscow Times, US News).
Analysis
The claim that Rosaviatsia has banned Russian airlines from flying over specific Middle Eastern countries is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The directive was issued in response to significant military actions in the region, specifically Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites, which included nuclear facilities (Middle East Eye, Daily Sabah).
The reliability of the sources reporting this information is generally high. Major news outlets like Reuters and The Moscow Times have established reputations for accurate reporting, particularly in matters of international significance. The information provided by these outlets aligns with the statements made by Rosaviatsia, confirming the ban's scope and duration. Additionally, the context of increased military activity in the region adds credibility to the urgency of the ban (Meduza, Travel and Tour World).
However, it is essential to note that while the directive is clear, the situation in the Middle East is fluid, and the enforcement of such bans can vary based on evolving geopolitical dynamics. Airlines have already begun rerouting flights to avoid the affected airspace, indicating that the ban is being taken seriously by the aviation industry (Middle East Eye, US News).
Conclusion
The claim that Russia’s civil aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, has banned the country's airlines from entering airspace above Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until June 26 is True. This conclusion is supported by multiple reliable sources that confirm the agency's directive in response to heightened military tensions in the region.
Sources
- Middle East airspace shut after Israel strikes Iran ... - Reuters
- Rosaviatsia Restricts Air Travel Across Middle East After ... - The Moscow Times
- Middle East airspace shut after Israel strikes Iran, airlines face quandary - The Arab Weekly
- Middle East Airspace Shut After Israel Strikes Iran, Airlines ... - US News
- Middle East air travel in chaos after Israel strikes Iran - Daily Sabah
- Russia bans domestic airlines from flying to or over Israel ... - Meduza
- Russia in Review, June 6-13, 2025 | ... - Russia Matters
- Russia Imposes Critical Airspace Restrictions Over Key ... - Travel and Tour World