Impact of Ukraine war on long-haul flights
The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has led to significant changes in flight patterns. Based on data from Flightradar 24, Eurocontrol has analysed the current situation of long-haul flights between Europe and Asia. "Before" are the six weeks to 27 February, when airspace restrictions were introduced, and "after" are the five to six weeks following.
The extra flight-time led some airlines to cancel the connection, marked by an "X" on the "before" axis, e.g. SAS has stopped flights to Tokyo. This decision is driven by passenger and cargo demand, additional fuel costs, constraints from scheduling, staffing and airports (gates and curfews).
From Copenhagen, Beijing is served by a Chinese cargo operator, Air China Cargo, which is still able to fly Siberian routes, so there are no additional track miles. (ah)