UK tightens airspace restrictions to keep oligarchs out
The UK had previously banned Russian-registered, owned and operated aircraft from its airspace from Feb. 25.
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The U.K. has tightened its airspace restrictions with the aim of closing loopholes that could be used by wealthy Russian citizens to enter the country.
"I increased the powers in a piece of legislation I signed last night to make sure we are not in a situation where Russian oligarchs feel they are able to come and go on their private jets," British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
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Under the new rules, air-traffic controllers have the ability to direct pilots or operators of Russian aircraft–or jets they believe are being used by Russians–not to enter U.K airspace. The new rules also allow officials to detain aircraft they suspect are linked to Russia.
A Bombardier BD700-1A10 registered with Global Jet and other planes sit by the hangars at Farnborough Airport, in Farnborough, Britain March 9, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls (REUTERS/Henry Nicholls / Reuters Photos)
Mr. Shapps, who outlined the measures in a letter to airports, said that his department would support air-traffic controllers and airfield operators in identifying Russia-linked aircraft, adding that noncompliance "may give rise to a criminal offense." The U.K. had previously banned Russian-registered, owned and operated aircraft from its airspace from Feb. 25.
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In an early example of how the new powers could be used, Mr. Shapps said the government had impounded a private jet at Farnborough Airport on suspicion that the aircraft, which is registered in Luxembourg, had been used by a Russian oligarch to enter the country.
The aircraft, a Bombardier Global Express registered with Global Jet Luxembourg, was prevented from taking off on Tuesday while officials investigate whether it falls under legislation banning Russian-linked aircraft from U.K. airspace, a Department for Transport spokeswoman said.