Lithuanian government bans Belarusian air carriers from flying

As reported by Sputnik Lithuania, the decision will take effect from 3:00 Moscow time on May 27.

“The European Council has adopted very clear conclusions that Belarusian airlines should be banned from using the airspace of the European Union,” said Lithuanian Transport Minister Marius Skuodis.

Earlier, Lithuania banned direct flights from Belarus to the republic and back.

The Belarusian airline Belavia responded by saying that it would suspend flights to and from Lithuania from May 25 to June 26 due to the decision of the Lithuanian authorities.

The leaders of the EU countries at the May 24 summit recommended that air carriers from European states avoid flying over Belarus.

The Ryanair plane, flying from Athens to Vilnius, on May 23 urgently landed in Minsk due to a report of a bomb on board.

Information about mining was not confirmed.

The founder of the NEXTA Telegram channel recognized in Belarus as extremist, Roman Protasevich, was flying in the liner, who was detained after landing.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko commented on the decision of the EU countries not to use the airspace of the republic in connection with the landing of the Ryanair plane in Minsk.