Ukraine airspace closed to civilian flights

Image source, Getty Images

Russia began military action in the east of the country, which led to Ukraine closing its airspace to civilian flights.

The use of weapons and military equipment in the Donbas region poses a high risk to flight safety.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency warned about the risks of flying in Russia and Belarus.

There is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft.

Civil flights at all altitudes and flight levels are at risk because of the presence and possible use of a wide range of ground and airborne warfare systems.

Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport, ordered aircraft flying to or from UK airports to avoid the airspace of Ukraine.

British citizens were told to leave the country.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the UK has been instructed by Mr Shapps to ensure that airlines avoid the airspace of Ukraine.

We continue to stand with the people of Ukraine and work with our international partners to respond to this act of aggression.

All flights from the UK to the Ukraine have been suspended.

A missile brought down a passenger plane, killing all of the people on board.

Three months after fighting broke out, the aircraft was brought down.

The missile that was used in Russia was tracked by investigators.