EU and NATO member Bulgaria has closed its airspace to Russian aircraft in solidarity with Ukraine and because of the intensification of fighting with Russian troops in that country. The flight ban came into effect on the night from Friday to Saturday and will affect all aircraft with licenses issued by the Russian Federation, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport said.

The country forbids the departure, landing and overflying of Russian aircraft. The airspace over Bulgarian territorial waters is also blocked for them.

British Transport Minister Grant Shapps announced on Twitter on Friday that no Russian private jets are allowed to fly or land in British airspace with immediate effect. "Putin's actions are illegal and anyone who takes advantage of Russian aggression in Ukraine is not welcome here. I have tightened our ban in the UK so that no Russian private jet can fly or land in British airspace - effective immediately."

Russia has banned British airlines from landing at airports in the country or from entering Russian airspace. That move came after London previously banned Russian airline Aeroflot from accessing British airspace. Poland and the Czech Republic have also announced that Russian airlines are no longer welcome.

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)