Russia’s S7 Airlines Suspended From Oneworld

Russia's second biggest airline has been suspended from a global alliance.

S7 airlines suspended from oneworld

Oneworld and S7 Airlines have agreed to temporarily suspend the membership of the Russian carrier in the alliance. This suspension is in place.

• oneworld benefits for customers of partner oneworld member airlines will be suspended when traveling on S7 Airlines
• oneworld benefits for S7 airlines customers will be suspended when traveling on other oneworld airlines

There are no mileage earning and redemption opportunities anymore. The alliance stated that the impact on customers is expected to be minimal.

S7 Airlines joined the oneworld alliance. The airline has a fleet of over 100 narrow body aircraft. In addition to having an extensive route network within Russia, the airline operated services to many international points in Europe and Asia. S7 is a useful partner for oneworld travelers in Russia.

What does this alliance suspension accomplish?

Many companies have imposed sanctions on Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine. It is interesting to see this development from oneworld. There are a few thoughts.

• It sure seems to me like this is more likely to have to do with S7 Airlines not paying membership dues anymore (or something along those lines), rather than this being a conscious attempt at boycotting Russia
• With Russia at this point having very limited international flights, alliance benefits involving S7 Airlines are definitely less significant than they were
• If this were about boycotting Russia, I’m not sure denying lounge access or mileage credit to a few people will really be a turning point in this war, or send all that much of a message

Bottom line

Russia's S7 Airlines has been suspended from the oneworld alliance, meaning that oneworld travelers can no longer take advantage of their elite perks. Russia invaded Ukraine two months ago.

It's anyone's guess if this is a protest of Russia, or if S7 Airlines simply stopped paying its dues.

What do you think about the suspension of S7 Airlines?