🌍Europe and East Asia account for half of the world's economic activity.
✈️During the Cold War, non-Soviet airlines were not allowed to fly over the Soviet Union, leading to long and inefficient routes.
🌐Flying over the Arctic became a faster route for airlines to reach the American west coast.
🇷🇺Anchorage, Alaska, became a crucial stopover point for European airlines flying to Asia.
💰Russia charges high fees for airlines to fly over Siberia, making nonstop flights to Asia expensive.
Why did airlines have to fly over the Arctic or take long detours to reach Asia?
—During the Cold War, non-Soviet airlines were not allowed to fly over the Soviet Union, forcing them to take alternative routes.
What impact does Russia's control over its airspace have on travel between Europe and Asia?
—Russia's control allows them to charge high fees for airlines to fly over Siberia, making nonstop flights to Asia expensive.
Are there any budget airlines with overflight rights over Siberia?
—Currently, no budget airlines have been granted overflight rights over Siberia, limiting competition on east Asian routes.
How do airlines bypass Russian airspace?
—Airlines can route their flights around Russia by adding extra flight time, but this increases travel time and costs.
What are the implications of Russia's control over its airspace?
—Russia can use its control over airspace as a geopolitical tool, granting or denying overflight rights to airlines based on political considerations.
00:00This video explores the impact of Russia's control over its airspace on travel between Europe and Asia.
02:17Airlines started flying nonstop over the Arctic to reach the American west coast.
03:08Anchorage, Alaska, became a crucial stopover point for European airlines flying to Asia.
08:00Russia's control over Siberian airspace allows them to charge high fees for airlines to fly over, making nonstop flights to Asia expensive.
09:53Budget airlines have been denied overflight rights over Siberia, limiting competition on east Asian routes.
