Russian Embassy Monitors Situation After Two Turkish Charter Flights Diverted to Minsk

Russian diplomats are keeping a close watch on the situation surrounding two Turkish airline charter flights that were redirected to Minsk, the Russian diplomatic mission in Belarus has said.

According to the embassy, the diversions occurred on 18 October amid attacks on the infrastructure of Russian airports. The two charters were carrying more than 400 passengers between them.

Ambassador Boris Gryzlov and embassy staff were at Minsk National Airport in person, providing Russian citizens with all necessary support, the mission said. Working with Belarusian partners, passengers were given free hot meals, and several options for returning the Russians home are being pursued.

Earlier that day, restrictions on receiving and dispatching aircraft had been introduced at a number of Russian airports to ensure flight safety.