Air India CEO Defends Use Of Russian Airspace

ISTANBUL—Air India CEO Campbell Wilson has defended the airline’s use of Russian airspace, emphasizing the importance of operating within the framework of national relationships, regulations and diplomatic ties. 

Speaking at the IATA AGM on June 5, Wilson said: "At Air India, we operate in accordance with the ambit of what's provided to us by the nation. Not all nations agree—there are going to be different outcomes as a consequence."

Russia closed its airspace to airlines from the U.S., the European Union and several allied nations in February 2022. This decision was in response to the sanctions imposed on Russian airlines following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. 

Consequently, airlines from the affected countries were required to seek alternative flight routes, resulting in longer travel times and increased operational challenges. However, the overflight ban does not apply to carriers from countries such as China, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Air India continues to access shorter and more fuel-efficient routes from India to destinations in Europe and North America. Critics argue that this gives the airline a significant competitive advantage over counterparts that are blocked from overflying Russia.

While acknowledging the differing opinions on airspace usage among nations, Wilson highlighted the economic and social benefits that Air India's flights bring. 

“I think we've seen over the past few years the consequence of aviation not being able to connect people and economies and cultures, and support all of the other things that we spin off,” he said.

He added: “Overflight is only one dimension of a very, very complex industry. There have been many discussions over the years about support that some airlines are getting—and some are not getting—as well as the level of implicit or explicit subsidies that aviation receives in different parts of the world. To single out one particular thing misses the underlying problem. It's not a level playing field.”

Star Alliance member Air India currently offers 25 routes connecting India to destinations in Europe and North America, including cities such as Amsterdam, London, New York and Toronto.