New Delhi: India and Russia came dangerously close to a diplomatic standoff on Tuesday but both sides acted on time to avoid damage to the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries.
The problems occurred when Moscow decided to ban two Indian airlines — Air-India and Jet Airways — from operating their flights to London and other European destinations through the Russian airspace.
The move prompted an immediate counter from New Delhi as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) asked two Russian airlines – Aeroflot and Transco – not to operate to India from Tuesday night.
The DGCA also decided to stop all Russian Airlines from entering Indian airspace from June 15 if they don't allow Indian carriers to fly in their space.
A Russian ban on Indian airlines would have proven costly for India and it would have led to an increase in travel time by about an hour. The decision could also have affected the Flight Duty Time Limitation of the cockpit and cabin crew, which governs their duty hours.
But the two sides made up at the last minute and Moscow withdrew its decision.
India and Russia, as per a bilateral agreement reviewed last year, have agreed to allow their designated carriers to fly over their respective territories on the promulgated air traffic services route and as per their respective schedules.
The agreement allows operation of 12 frequencies between Moscow and Delhi and five between Moscow and Mumbai.
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