MINSK, 2 June (BelTA) – Wizz Air CEO Joszef Varadi has criticized European governments for banning flights over Belarus in response to the forced landing of a passenger plane. Such moves make aviation “a toy of politics”, he told Reuters.
“I don't think this is the right response,” Joszef Varadi said. “I don't think aviation should be used as a means for political sanctions.”
“Nothing has happened that would have jeopardized flight safety or security. I don't think anyone was unsafe for a second,” Joszef Varadi said.
“It's a political measure. This is not a safety measure.”
European airlines have canceled services to Belarus and are avoiding its airspace. As a result Air France and Austrian Airlines have had to cancel Moscow flights as Russia warned of delayed clearance for alternative routes.
The overflight ban has little impact on Wizz Air, Joszef Varadi said, because its Russia flights that could be affected are currently suspended anyway due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Blurring diplomatic and safety considerations could undermine a global aviation industry already struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic,” Joszef Varadi added.
