Russia and Belarus lift air traffic ban until Thursday

Belarus and Russia have temporarily lifted the ban on air traffic between Minsk and Moscow, says Belavia General Director Anatoly Gusarov. "We have learned that Russia is lifting the flight ban. We are lifting the ban, as well," he said. "Negotiations on air traffic between Minsk and Moscow will begin on Thursday." Earlier on Monday, the Russian aviation authorities informed Belavia, the Belarusian state-run airline, of the unilateral cancellation of the Belarusian license to fly to Moscow. Belarusian authorities replied with the revocation of licenses of all Russian airlines. According to Gusarov, the unprecedented decision was made because of different opinions about the number of flights that should be conducted by Belavia and Russian airlines on the Moscow-Minsk route.