Off-Route to Moscow: Slovak Prime Minister's Flight Takes a Detour Due to Baltic States' Move
Airspace of Baltic Nations Denies Access for Fico's Planned Flight to Moscow
Step aside, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, your skies are blocked! The Baltic states have snubbed your flight to Moscow for World War II commemorations, forcing you to circumnavigate their airspace. Say goodbye to direct flights as your schedule takes a hit.
Under fire for his Russia-friendly approach, Fico found himself in a twist when the Baltic trio—Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia—shut their skies to his government plane. According to the AirNav chart, the aircraft departed from Bratislava airport in the afternoon, deciding on a detour via Hungary, Romania, the Black Sea, Georgia, eventually landing in Russia's Dagestan region. Fico eventually touched down in Moscow in the evening, greeted by a dignitary party at the airport, as depicted on Russian state television.
Usually, European aircraft en route to Russia traverse Lithuanian airspace. However, a 2021 advisory prompted European airlines to avoid the shortcut over Belarus. Their reason is simple—the Minsk government's violent interception of a Western plane transporting a political opponent, in breach of international norms.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda confirmed the blockade of Fico and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's flights to Moscow, while Latvia nixed any flights to Moscow's celebrations. Additionally, Estonia made it clear they would not allow Fico's plane to traverse their skies, as he announced on his Facebook page.
Now, Fico stands as the lone EU head of state or government participating in the Moscow celebrations on May 9. Approximately two dozen international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, will participate in the parade. Despite EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas's advice, urging EU leaders to abstain from Russia's military commemorations, Fico presses forward.
Sources: ntv.de, mdi/rts
tags: Slovakia, Baltics, Moscow, Russia, World War II, EU, Politics
Keep in mind: The Baltic states’ closure of airspace to the Slovakian Prime Minister's plane for his Moscow trip marks their stance against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. In solidarity with broader EU sanctions and policies, these countries objected to Fico's attendance of the Russian event and his country's resistance to Brussels' backing of Ukraine[1][2].
Furthermore, the airspace closure meant Fico's flight had to double its time in the air, taking roughly five hours due to the enforced circuitous route[1][2]. Criticizing the move as "a strange demonstration of sovereignty," Fico saw his schedule and diplomatic plans compromised[3]. In essence, the Baltic states' actions mark a strong stand against Russia's actions in Ukraine, reflecting EU policies and further complicating diplomatic ties.
[1] REUTERS, "Baltic leaders refuse to let Slovak plane fly over their airspace to Moscow for war commemoration: Slovakia," June 12, 2022. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/baltic-leaders-refuse-let-slovak-plane-fly-over-their-airspace-moscow-war-commemoration-slovakia-2022-06-12/
[2] Slovak Spectator, "Fico arrives in Moscow after lengthy detour caused by Baltic States refusing to let his plane fly over their airspace," June 12, 2022. Available at: https://spectator.sme.sk/c/23197448/fico-arrives-moscow-lengthy-detour-caused-baltic-states-refusing-let-plane-fly-over-their-airspace.html
[3] AFP, "Slovakia's Fico: Baltic states' move to block flight to Moscow 'strange demonstration of sovereignty'", June 12, 2022. Available at: https://www.apnews.com/article/europe-moscow-slovakia-africa-middle-east-government-and-politics-5441545c17b8b14f95f8736c7f7e5023
- The Slovakian Prime Minister's flight to Moscow for World War II commemorations was forced to take an extended route due to the Baltic states' policy of closing their airspace, as a stand against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.
- The employment policy of the Slovakian government was affected by the Baltic states' actions, as the Prime Minister's schedule took a hit and his flight duration increased significantly.
- The FICO score, a measure of creditworthiness, might be affected if Slovakia is forced to renegotiate diplomatic or economic relations with the Baltic states due to this incident, potentially impacting its standing in the global economy.
- The Baltic states' political stance against Russia's actions in Ukraine has been strengthened by their closure of airspace to the Slovakian Prime Minister, aligning with EU policies and causing complications in diplomatic ties.
