Ukraine invasion: Russian planes face near-total airspace ban to west

Russian airlines face a near-total airspace blockade to the country's west after an EU official said most European countries are set to impose flight bans.

A formal decision is expected on the measure shortly., reports BBC.

Finland, which borders Russia, Denmark and Austria said on Sunday they would implement bans.

With airspace curbs over Ukraine, Russian flights now have few route options for westbound journeys.

Russia has responded with tit-for-tat restrictions for many of the countries banning its flights.

Estonia, Latvia, Slovenia, Lithuania and Romania said on Saturday they were banning some flights from Russia.

They joined Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic in implementing curbs - and Russia has banned flights in retaliation.

Meanwhile, Russian-owned planes, including private jets, can no longer enter UK and Irish airspace.

Finland, which shares an 800 mile (1,300km) border with Russia, "is preparing to close its airspace to Russian air traffic," Transport Minister Timo Harakka wrote on Twitter.

Austrian minister Leonore Gewessler said the country supported an EU-wide ban but in the meantime would immediately ban all Russian air traffic.

Denmark's foreign minister Jeppe Kofod said on Twitter that the country would close its airspace and push for an EU-wide ban.