Ukraine formally informed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that Russian airspace is unsafe amid the ongoing conflict, citing increased risks for civilian aircraft [1, 2, 3]. On September 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly warned that the skies over Russia have become extremely dangerous due to the presence of Ukrainian-operated drones [1, 2, 3]. Zelensky said, "Ukraine does not want innocent lives to be lost. That is why we are warning our partners: the safe days in the Russian sky are over. While civilian flights aren’t being targeted, there is no place for them in a sky swarming with drones" [1]. He described the warning as a justified response to Russia’s tactics to prolong the war through terror against civilians [1, 2, 3].
On September 2, the ICAO called on its member states to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft flying near or over conflict zones [1, 2, 3]. The agency highlighted the increased dangers from military technologies including long-range weapons systems, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), global navigation satellite system radio frequency interference, and advanced air defense systems [1, 2, 3]. These threats raise the risk of accidental or intentional harm to civilian flights.
The ICAO’s appeal follows Ukraine’s detailed communication on airspace risks amid ongoing hostilities. The agency urged states to assess flight risks carefully and take necessary measures to protect passengers and crews from harm.
Monitoring and routing of civilian aircraft around conflict zones remain critical as these threats persist. The ICAO plans to continue coordinating with member states and the aviation industry to address emerging safety concerns linked to military activities.
The next steps will involve follow-up meetings and updates to international flight safety advisories to mitigate risks in affected airspace.
