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US tentatively bans all ticket sales to Belarus

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has tentatively proposed to ban all passenger ticket sales, including on an interline basis, for travel between the US and Belarus in response to the May 23 state-backed forced diversion of a Ryanair aircraft over the eastern European country.

The DOT said it acted upon an earlier request by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recommended limiting flights between the US and Belarus.

"Accordingly, the DOT tentatively finds that it is in the public interest to condition the authority of all US and foreign carriers to the extent necessary to prohibit the sale of passenger air transportation, including air transportation on an interline basis, between the United States and Belarus," the Department said.

In technical terms, the ban will be enforced by adding an appropriate condition to all existing and future certificates for US carriers and foreign carriers authorised to operate to the country. The DOT gave all parties two days to comment. The decision will become effective immediately upon the finalisation of the order. The only exception from...

US to suspend bilateral air services agreement with Belarus

The United States intends to suspend its 2019 bilateral air services agreement with Belarus, dealing another blow to the country's already embattled aviation industry.

In a statement issued on May 28, 2021, the White House said the Biden administration would ramp up pressure on the autocratic regime of President Aleksandr Lukashenko in response to what it termed the continuing repression of pro-democracy protests as well as the forced diversion of Ryanair's B737-800 on May 23 and the ensuing arrest of journalist Raman Protasevich who was onboard.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the US would also seek to sanction Belarusian companies and individuals both unilaterally and in coordination with partners from the European Union.

"We take these measures, together with our partners and Allies, to hold the regime accountable for its actions and to demonstrate our commitment to the aspirations of the people of Belarus," she commented.

The 2019 bilateral air services agreement between the US and Belarus removed all restrictions on the number of flights and routings between the two countries. However,...

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