Belarus has committed itself to filling demand for travel between Ukraine and Russia after both sides banned each other's airlines from each other's territory and airspace with effect from October 25.

Announcing Belavia's imminent launch of daily flights between Minsk National and Odesa in Ukraine, Belarus First Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Yevgeny Rogachev told the BelTA news agency that the country's airports were ready to cope with the anticipated surge in demand for transit traffic. In addition, local authorities are negotiating with their Ukrainian and Russian counterparts to help increase bilateral connectivity rights.

"Negotiations of aviation authorities of Ukraine and Russia with airlines are in progress. If necessary, Belaeronavigatsia (state-owned air services and navigation provider) and our navigation authorities will think about connecting flights for the sake of passengers' convenience," he said.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been tense since the former unilaterally annexed Crimea early last year. Ukraine also accuses its neighbour of supporting a rebel insurgency in the country's east.