Transport Canada slaps fines on Russians, airline for breaching airspace ban
Global News
Two pilots and the Russian who chartered the plane each have been fined $3,000, while the Geneva-based aircraft operator has been fined $15,000.
Transport Canada says a plane carrying two Russian nationals that was grounded in Yellowknife last week broke airspace restrictions.
It says the plane’s two pilots and the Russian who chartered the plane each have been fined $3,000, while the Geneva-based aircraft operator has been fined $15,000.
Transport Canada said the plane is not Russian-owned or operated, but it still broke Canadian aviation regulations.
Transport Canada immediately began an investigation to determine whether any violations of the airspace restrictions occurred.
“As a result of this investigation, it has been determined that the aircraft, although not Russian-owned or registered, had, in fact, operated contrary to the airspace restrictions announced on Feb. 27, 2022,” Transport Canada said in a statement.
Canada closed its airspace to Russian-owned or operated aircraft on that day due to Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Transport Canada said the plane has been cleared to leave Yellowknife, but without any passengers.