Rosaviation, Russia’s Federal Air Transportation Agency, has lifted their temporary ban on flights to Turkey, the RBC news website reported Friday.
Rosaviation restricted regular flights to the country to “ensure [passenger] safety” after an attempted military coup in Turkey on July 15. The aviation authority announced Friday that they had “received assurances regarding prompt measures taken by Turkey to increase safety measures,” and told airlines they could resume service starting July 22.
Russia’s state carrier Aeroflot is to reopen airline ticket sales to Istanbul and Antalya on Friday. Charter flights remain banned as Russia's fragile relationship with Ankara begins to improve following the downing of a Russian jet by Turkish forces in November 2015. Moscow's ban on tour packages to the country was lifted last month.
President Erdogan announced a three-month state of emergency in Turkey on Thursday, with thousands being arrested or fired in the week since the failed coup. The revolt came less than a month after a terrorist attack on Istanbul’s airport, which killed 41 and injured more than 230 people.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
