The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) directive regarding the safety of flights in the airspace of Belarus is a politicization of aviation security. This was announced today, June 4, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“Aviation security should never be politicized. IATA condemned the actions of the Belarusian government and called for an independent investigation. Banning European aircraft from using Belarusian airspace through a security directive also politicizes aviation security. This development is disappointing. EASA should lift its ban and allow airlines to manage safety as they do every day – through routine operational risk assessments”, – the statement said.
The IATA noted that “two evils do no good”, and “politics should never interfere with the safe operation of aircraft, politicians should not use aviation security as a cover to achieve political or diplomatic goals.”
Let us remind you that on May 23, a Ryanair plane was forced to land in Minsk due to a message about mining. During the check, Belarusian oppositionist Roman Protasevich was detained. Western countries called the incident a violation of international law. On June 2, EASA called on the EU member states to stop flying in the airspace of Belarus.