Russia Denies El Al Flights to St. Petersburg Amidst Reciprocal Sanctions

Russia has rejected a request from Israeli airline El Al to land in St. Petersburg, opting instead to deny the airline access to Russian airspace. El Al had sought to resume flights to Russia by opening a new route to St. Petersburg, as its flights to Moscow remain suspended due to the security situation. The Russian refusal, according to Israeli media reports, is a retaliatory measure for Israel's decision to prevent Russian airline Aeroflot from landing in the country.

Sources suggest that Russia's decision is also influenced by Israel's support for international sanctions imposed on Russia and Aeroflot. While Israel has not imposed specific trade sanctions on Russia, it has cut air travel ties with the state-owned Russian airline. However, the Israeli Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation have not ruled out the possibility of Aeroflot flights landing in Israel.

El Al suspended its flights to Moscow in late June, citing recent drone attacks and disruptions around the Russian capital. This suspension has significantly reduced direct flight options between Israel and Russia. St. Petersburg was considered a potential alternative destination to alleviate the shortage of flights.

Reports indicate that the Russian refusal to allow El Al's St. Petersburg route is based on the principle of reciprocity. Moscow is unwilling to grant an Israeli airline expanded operations in Russia while Aeroflot is barred from operating in Israel. Notably, a private Russian airline, Red Wings, continues to land in Israel, suggesting the Russian penalty is specifically targeted at Aeroflot, the official Russian flag carrier.