Russia's Aeroflot suspends all int'l flights

The carrier announced the move on Saturday, according to Ukrinform.

"Aeroflot informs about the temporary suspension of all international flights from March 8 (00:00 Moscow time) due to additional circumstances preventing operation of flights. Cancellation also applies to international destinations scheduled by Rossiya and Avrora airlines (flights in the SU5400-5799 and SU5950-6999 range)," the statement said.

From March 6, Aeroflot will not board passengers on international flights with roundtrip tickets if their return flight is scheduled after March 8. Passengers with one-way tickets and departures from Russia will be allowed to fly until all international flights are stopped.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, today Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with the company's employees at the Aeroflot office. The meeting is broadcast live on Russian TV.

This decision was explained by "reducing the risk of inability to use return flights to Russia" for airline clients. Passengers of canceled flights will be able to get a full refund.

Earlier on Saturday, it became known that the Russian aviation regulator, Rosaviatsia, recommended that Russian airlines suspend all international flights from March 6 amid mass arrests of aircraft on foreign soil. The recommendation applies to carriers whose aircraft are registered in other jurisdictions under leasing agreements with foreign entities.

On Friday, S7 Airlines announced that from March 5 it will be forced to cancel all international flights.

As reported, on February 24, Russia declared war on Ukraine. Russian troops invaded Ukraine from the north, east, and south – from the occupied Crimea. They have been destroying cities, killing civilians, shelling critical infrastructure and households.

Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced.