2019 U.s-Belarus Air Services Agreement

The United States intends to suspend its 2019 bilateral air transport agreement with Belarus, dealing a further blow to the country`s already struggling aviation industry. Without this agreement, flights between the two countries will be effectively terminated. The suspension means plans to convert Minsk`s national airport into a hub for fifth-freedom flights to the United States have been suspended. Either Party may at any time inform the other Party in writing of its decision to terminate this Agreement. This communication is addressed simultaneously to the International Civil Aviation Organization. This Agreement shall terminate at midnight (at the place of receipt of notice to the other Party) at the end of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) commercial season, which shall be in effect one year after the date of the written notice of termination, unless the notice is withdrawn by mutual agreement of the Parties before the expiry of that period. Belarus is now grappling with new sanctions due to the consequences of the Ryanair incident. The United States confirmed today that it will suspend the 2019 bilateral air transport agreement with Belarus, suspending flights between the two countries. On May 28, 2021, the Biden administration issued a press release (“press release”) in which it confirmed the reintroduction of sanctions against certain Belarusian state-owned enterprises (“SOEs”) (announced by the publication of the Resolution of the Belarusian General License 2H on May 19, 2021. April 2021) and the suspension of the application of the 2019 US-Belarus Air Services Agreement (“USB 2019 Agreement”) in response to the Belarusian government`s apparent forced hijacking of a commercial flight to Minsk on May 23. The press release also points out that additional sanctions against Belarusian government officials are being developed and calls on international bodies to investigate the events of May 23 and take action.

These developments mark a significant escalation of US sanctions against the Belarusian government and effectively suspend flights connecting the two countries. The U.S. also acted quickly by suspending the bilateral air transport agreement, which allowed unlimited flights between the U.S. and Belarus and beyond by passenger and cargo airlines of both countries. Both countries have the right to suspend the agreement if its terms or international laws are violated. “We are taking these steps with our partners and allies to hold the regime accountable for its actions and demonstrate our commitment to the aspirations of the Belarusian people,” Psaki told reporters. The 2019 bilateral air transport agreement between the United States and Belarus lifted all restrictions on the number of flights and routes between the two countries. However, only U.S. and Belarusian airlines are allowed to exercise these rights. The State Department suspended the 2019 bilateral air transport agreement between the United States and Belarus after that country hijacked a Ryanair flight last month to arrest a dissident journalist, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. But the speed with which governments sanctioned Belarus, although welcomed by the free press and human rights activists, has raised concerns about the politicization of air traffic control and air traffic.

Home » Latest Press Articles » Government News » The United States suspends air transport agreements with Belarus following Ryanair`s hijacking without directional or geographical restrictions and without loss of the right to carry traffic otherwise permitted by this agreement; provided that, with the exception of pure cargo services, the service serves a point in the territory of the Contracting Party designated by the air carrier. The agreement removed restrictions on the number of flights and routes connecting the two countries. Only U.S. and Belarusian airlines can operate under this agreement. The agreement allows U.S. and Belarusian airlines to operate flights in each other`s airspace. On any segment or segment of the above-mentioned routes, any designated air carrier may operate international air traffic without the need to change the type or number of aircraft operated at any time on the route; provided that, with the exception of pure freight services in the direction of the outward journey, carriage beyond this point is a continuation of carriage from the territory of the Contracting Party designated by the Carrier and, in the direction of entry, carriage to the territory of the Contracting Party designated by the Carrier is a continuation of carriage beyond that point. . . .