Just as international travel was ramping up, Russia’s attack on Ukraine
has thrown a spanner in the works, and both the industry and its
travellers are battening down the hatches.
Airlines distance themselves from Russia
The UK, EU and US have since imposed airspace restrictions
surrounding commercial and private-owned planes from Russia. Following
which, Russia banned incoming flights from 36 countries’ airlines.
Delta
Airlines suspended its codeshare agreement with Russian national
carrier Aeroflot, and the UK has banned its commercial airlines from
Russian airspace. In response, Russia retaliated by banning British
carriers.
Lufthansa, Germany’s national airline, has announced the suspension
of flights to and from Russia, and will also avoid flying into Russian
airspace for its other routes.
Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines has suspended flights between Singapore and Moscow indefinitely.
More airlines are taking the precaution of avoiding aviation activity
over western Russia, and have devised alternate flight paths away from
Russian and Ukrainian airspace. However, this will drive up fuel costs
which will lead to an increase in airfares.
Spike in flight cancellations
ForwardKeys revealed that the Russia-Ukraine war has led to widespread flight cancellations to and from Russia.
On 25 February, the day following the beginning of Russia’s invasion,
for every new booking that was made for inbound travel to Russia came
six cancellations of pre-existing bookings. Markets exhibiting the
highest cancellation rates came from Germany (773%), France (472%),
Italy (152%), the UK (254%), India (285%), and Turkey (116%).
Similarly on the other end, Russian outbound travel has been hit by
the impact of the war. Prior to the war, outbound flight bookings for
March, April and May recovered to 32% of pre-pandemic levels, however
from the period of 24 to 26 February, many of those advanced bookings
were dropped. Destinations that suffered most from the blow were Cyprus
(300%), Egypt (234%), Turkey (153%), the UK (153%), Armenia (200%), and
Maldives (165%).
Cruise lines cancel stops in Russia
Some of the world’s largest cruise lines are cancelling their planned
stops in Russia ports, citing safety concerns and to protect the
invasion of Ukraine. Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises and
Carnival Corporation have modified their itineraries and remove calls to
Russia in its imminent sailings.
Sabre and Amadeus end distribution of Aeroflot flights
Sabre has taken a stand against the military conflict and has ceased
providing distribution services to Aeroflot, essentially preventing the
Russian flag carrier from selling tickets. Amadeus IT Group has
similarly followed suit in pulling Aeroflot fares from its reservation
systems.
Travel agencies cancels trips to Russia
Travel agencies have also joined the fray in taking a stand against
Russia. Expedia Group has ceased offering travel to and from Russia,
including its Vrbo vacation rental unit. GetYour Guide, a Germany-based
tours and activities company, has stopped its marketing activities in
the region as well.
Canada-based G Adventures, an operator of small-group escorted tours,
has shelved its Russia trips for the remainder of 2022 and cancelled 25
trips scheduled for Russia over this year and the next.