The European Union has followed in Finland’s footsteps by banning flights over its territory by the Turkish airline Southwind Airlines, which is accused of being effectively controlled from Russia.

According to information from the Turkish publication Turizm Guncel and the aviation-focused publication Aero Telegraph, the EU’s decision comes amid concerns over the airline’s ownership structure and operational control.

Southwind Airlines was founded in 2022 in Antalya and was intended to specialise in flights to and from Russia.

The establishment of the airline coincided with the reluctance of many Turkish airlines to fly to Russia and a reduction in the number of flights by Russian airlines.

Finland first denied Southwind entry to its airspace on March 25, citing the airline’s effective control from Russia, which contradicts EU Sanctions Regulations.

By March 28th, as reported by the Turkish publication Turizm Guncel, Brussels informed its members that Southwind Airlines, officially known as Cortex Aviation and Tourism Trade, had been banned from taking off, flying, and landing under Article 31 of Regulation No. 833/2014, Article 3d 31.

This regulation, effective since July 2014, regulates sanctions related to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. It was stated that this ban would be implemented immediately.

Prior to the imposition of sanctions, the airline operated flights to Germany, Switzerland, Greece, North Macedonia, and Italy.

On March 30, the Association of Russian Tour Operators announced the cancellation of Southwind’s flights to Kaliningrad due to EU sanctions.

The flight ban within the EU also renders flights to Switzerland and North Macedonia impossible for the airline.

Main Image: MarcelX42 via Wikipedia.

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