Russian Transport Ministry to Double No-Fly Zone List

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Russia plans to more than double the number of no-fly zones over critical industrial, road, and energy infrastructure, according to a draft order from the Ministry of Transport, as reported by Kommersant.

Under the current version of the order, adopted in 2022, there are 374 restricted zones across Russia. The proposed update would increase this number to 818. The ban would be indefinite, covering all 14 zones of the Unified Air Traffic Management System, and would apply to all types of aircraft, including drones. Exceptions are made for the Ministry of Defense and certain aircraft operating in the interests of oil companies.

No-fly zones will be established over guarded and particularly important state facilities, including energy and defense industry sites, transportation infrastructure, and other facilities that "pose an increased risk to human life, health, and the environment." The list was compiled with input from the Federal Security Service (FSB), Federal Protective Service (FSO), Ministry of Defense, National Guard, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Energy, Rosatom, Roscosmos, and other state companies, as well as regional governments.

"The establishment of no-fly zones is aimed at counter-terrorism protection of facilities, including preventing terrorist acts, as well as ensuring the safe use of Russian airspace," the document states.