Azerbaijan Airlines and its subsidiary Buta Airways have suspended all flight operations to Russian cities, starting 6 March. “Lack of full-fledged insurance for performance of international flights poses unnecessary risks for the citizens of our countries, airlines and other legal entities,” the airline says in a 5 March statement. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency has ordered the suspension of flights by Russian airlines to Azerbaijan for an indefinite period from 6 March due to the risks relating to performance of international flights, Azerbaijan Airlines states. The carrier adds: “The situation is also due to recent developments in the international aviation insurance and reinsurance market connected to the sanctions imposed on Russia. These changes have also affected the operations of the flag carrier of Azerbaijan.”

Russia’s S7 Airlines is cancelling all international flights from March, following imposition of Western sanctions against the country over the past week. A message on the carrier’s Telegram account states that “unfortunately” it has been “forced” to take the decision, although it does not mention the specific actions that are preventing it from operating on any of its international routes. As well as 93 destinations in Europe, including Russian domestic links, the carrier flies to 21 locations in Asia, plus the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, data shows. Although most European airspace is now closed to Russian carrier’s, Asia remains open. “Passengers of cancelled flights will receive notifications from the airline, our specialists will work with them at S7 Airlines representative offices,” states the carrier. “They will help tourists return home on flights of partner airlines. Also, passengers of cancelled international flights can apply for a full refund of the ticket price after receiving an SMS about the cancellation of the flight.” Through the first six months of last year, S7 was the most active carrier in Europe by number of passenger flights, as it was largely protected from pandemic impacts by Russia’s large domestic market. S7 operates a majority Airbus A320-family fleet, plus some Boeing and Embraer aircraft.

Cebu Pacific is ramping up its domestic network by resuming services to more destinations and adding more flights to key hubs. The Philippine low-cost carrier says it is recommencing flights to Siargao and Surigao via Manila, Calbayog via Cebu, Iloilo and Zamboanga via Davao, and General Santos via Iloilo. Starting 27 March, the carrier will operate up to 16 daily flights from Manila and Boracay and up to seven times daily to Bohol. It will also fly to Cagayan de Oro up to 10 times daily, up to 18 times daily to Cebu, 10 times daily to Davao and three times daily to Iloilo.