Russian Oligarchs' Private Jets Grounded Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russian oligarchs are finding ways to keep their private jets airborne despite Western sanctions, but the restrictions have significantly limited their travel destinations. Around 50 private jets have been re-registered under the Russian flag since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, allowing them to fly to countries that have not imposed flight bans or individual sanctions. However, more than half of Russia's private and corporate jet fleet remains stranded abroad or has been sold. Russian planes are prohibited from entering the European Union due to sanctions, forcing some jet owners to fly to Turkey or ex-Soviet states and then charter different aircraft to EU airports. The repatriated aircraft have largely avoided crossing into EU airspace and have kept to countries considered friendly to Russia.