THE Russian government has banned all Lufthansa Cargo flights from overflying its territory. The governmental spat is having a major impact on LH Cargo’s flight schedules to and from China, Japan, Hong Kong and other destinations in Asia.

Some 49 flights per week use an interim stop in Astana, Kazakhstan, to and from Asian destinations. The ban is adding up to two hours to the flight times and is throwing its schedule into chaos.

Lufthansa spokesperson, Michael Goentgens told Air Cargo News that the ban “commenced on 28 October at the start of the winter schedule. We now have to fly around Russia causing us significant extra fuel costs and severe delays. We are now operating a modified flight schedule caused by the delays".

Goentgens added that they, as yet, had no indication of when the ban will be lifted saying that it was entirely a government-to-government issue.

It appears that the overflight ban was placed because Russia claims that the necessary application and royalty agreement for overflights was not received in time. However, sources in Germany said that the application for overflight rights was rejected without reason.

Germany initially responded to the ban on LH Cargo by imposing a ban on two Russian cargo airlines – Aeroflot Cargo and Tesis – from entering German airspace. The German ban came into force soon after the Russians instigated its ban on 28 October. However, the German government lifted its ban on Russian cargo airlines two days later.

If the ban drags on, it will have a severe effect on LH Cargo and could not be more poorly timed, as the peak season for cargo from Asia is vital for revenues.