Russian airlines banned from the UK, Shapps confirms

Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Thursday that Aeroflot would be banned owing to sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

However, Grant Shapps has now confirmed the ban will extend to all Russian scheduled carriers operating to and from the UK.

"I’ve signed restrictions prohibiting all scheduled #Russian airlines from entering UK airspace or touching down on British soil," tweeted Shapps. "Putin’s heinous actions will not be ignored, and we will never tolerate those who put people’s lives in danger."

Skyteam member Aeroflot flies from Moscow to Heathrow and was a popular budget choice to onward destinations such as Asia. The carrier, Russia’s biggest, has also been banned from UK airspace.

The UK’s move sparks the prospect of retaliation from Russia, which could see British carriers barred from Russian airspace.

A CAA spokesperson said: “Following the announcement by the prime minister in parliament today, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the foreign carrier permit held by Aeroflot Russia Airlines (Aeroflot) until further notice.

“This means that Aeroflot will not be permitted to operate flights to or from the United Kingdom until further notice."