Uzbekistan Airways issues an official statement on the flight over the Black Sea

On 19 February, it was reported on social media that the HY-271 Tashkent-Istanbul flight was operated over the airspace where military exercises are being held on the Black Sea. Uzbek airlines commented on the flight.

It is informed that the route of each flight is chosen by the airline that arranges the flight on the basis of a detailed analysis of the weather and air conditions of all countries.

There had been no restrictions on flights on this route.

In order to create the most favorable conditions for the flight on 19 February, and in accordance with safety requirements, HY-271 flight was arranged to operate via Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, the Russian Federation, the Northern Caucasus, the Black Sea and Turkey.

The airspace over the Black Sea was completely open and safe for flights. This was confirmed by the fact that in the same area and simultaneously next to the Boeing-757 airplane of «Uzbekistan havo yo’llari» (Uzbekistan Airways) had flown a number of aircraft from Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iraq and other countries.

Air traffic safety on the Black Sea has always been ensured by the air traffic control authorities of Russia (Rostov Air Traffic Control Center) and Turkey (Ankara Flight Information Zone). At the same time, the air traffic dispatcher of the Rostov Air Traffic Control Center allowed the Uzbekistan aircraft crew to enter and use the route in the Black Sea area.

It should be noted that each airline selects the flight route based on established safety requirements, by means of a detailed analysis of the situation at airports in all countries. If there are any limitations, the airline crew will analyze alternative routes to bypass the area and make a final decision.

There was no threat to the lives of 155 passengers on board of the airplane. The flight was conducted on a strictly scheduled basis, in full compliance with international air transport standards.