15 February 2016, 17:03 GMT
KRASNOYARSK (Sputnik) – The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has nothing to do with air traffic services over the Black Sea, while the issue of commercial flights over airspace around Simferopol will be discussed at the ad hoc working group of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in March 2016, the head of Russia’s civil aviation authority said Friday.
On Wednesday, media reported that the EASA told airlines they can consider flying over Simferopol via two designated routes.
"EASA has no relation to the air traffic services over the Black Sea. Therefore, their statement is totally politicized, especially since it does not correspond to the decisions of the ICAO which established a special task force, which must meet in March for the first meeting," Alexander Neradko said on the sidelines of the Krasnoyarsk economic forum.
He added that the Black Sea basin states were invited to participate in the work of this group unlike EASA representatives.
ICAO imposed ban on flights in the Simferopol region after Crimea rejoined Russia via a popular referendum in 2014 over alleged safety issues.
