How Has Access to Heathrow Airport Influenced the UK–Russia Air Services Agreement?

Abstract

Access to London Heathrow Airport has played an integral role in the development of the UK– Russia air services agreement. The entry into force of the original agreement signed in 1957 was delayed by two years due to concerns regarding the noise created by Russian aircraft at Heathrow. Since then, Russia has sought amendments to the agreement to allow Aeroflot to increase its London-Moscow frequencies, in exchange for granting UK carriers permission to operate over Siberian airspace, which is crucial for flights from Heathrow to the Far East to operate efficiently. Russia has only been willing to increase Siberian overflight rights once it has secured slots for Aeroflot at Heathrow, linking the allocation of slots with the granting of rights under the air services agreement. Russia has also sought to protect its carriers from future changes in the UK regulatory framework, such as possible changes in the system of slot allocation, as it could threaten to withdraw Siberia overflight frequencies from UK carriers if it fears that Aeroflot’s position at Heathrow would be weakened. UK, Russia, Brexit, Heathrow, Slots