Unraveling the Ties
Southwind Airlines, originally established in 2022 to facilitate flights between Russia and Turkey, has found itself in the crosshairs of international scrutiny. Recent investigations revealed substantial ownership and control by Russian entities, raising eyebrows within the EU. The Finnish Government, after conducting its own probe, canceled Southwind’s Antalya-Helsinki flight and barred the airline from using its airspace starting March 25.
The Brussels Ban
Not content with Finland’s actions, Brussels stepped in three days later. On March 28, the EU officially prohibited Southwind Airlines from taking off or landing within its airspace. This move aligns with broader anti-Russian sanctions, signaling the EU’s firm stance against entities linked to Russia. Southwind’s ambitions to expand its routes to Germany, Greece, Finland, and other EU countries were abruptly halted.
Impact and Implications
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) swiftly responded by suspending Southwind flights between Antalya and Kaliningrad. The airline’s reliance on staff and leased aircraft from Nordwind Airlines, another Russian carrier banned in the EU, further complicated matters. As the skies close for Southwind, questions linger about the broader implications for air travel and geopolitical maneuvering.
