Russian planes that enter UK airspace could be detained by government

The transport secretary said on Tuesday that Russian planes that stray into British airspace could be stopped.

Grant Shapps made it a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to enter the UK airspace.

I made it a criminal offence for any Russian aircraft to enter UK airspace and now HMG can detain these jets.

We will stop Putin's cronies from living as normal while thousands of innocent people die.

He sent a letter to all UK airports and airfields detailing the new measures, which included giving air traffic control powers to refuse entry to Russian planes.

The aviation sector is fundamental to connecting and international trade and we need to hold the Russian government to account.

The Department for Transport doesn't think it's appropriate for Russian aircraft to land in the UK.

The UK closed its airspace to Russian aircraft last week in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Russian airlines are facing a complete blockade from flying west over Europe after they were barred from the airspace of nearly 30 countries.

The UK's airlines now face higher fuel costs and longer journey times on flights to Asia and beyond after Russia banned them from its airspace.