Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (299)

Robert Troy

Question:

299. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has considered declaring Belarussian airspace a no-fly zone for Irish aircraft given recent events. [32024/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

In alignment with a Safety Directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), I can confirm that I directed the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to issue a Notice to Air Men (NOTAM) advising all Irish air carriers to avoid the Minsk Flight Information Region in Belarus airspace. This NOTAM has been in effect since June 4.

Furthermore, I can confirm that in accordance with an EU Regulations and Decision which entered into force on June 4th, 2021, I have further directed the IAA to issue a NOTAM to prohibit any aircraft operated by Belarussian air carriers to land in, take off from or overfly the territory of Ireland. This shall not apply in the case of an emergency landing or an emergency overflight.