The UK has grounded a private jet that it suspects of having possible Russian links. The Cessna aircraft was prevented from taking off from London Biggin Hill Airport while an investigation is carried out. The UK has banned all aircraft owned, operated or chartered by Russians from its airspace.
Possible Russian private jet grounded
A Cessna Citation Latitude 680A with potential Russian links has been grounded by UK authorities pending further background checks. The aircraft, owned by Brooker Holdings Ltd, may have violated UK sanctions against Russian-owned or operated aircraft.
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, said,
"Today I have taken rapid action to identify and ground another plane pending enquiries about possible Russian links. We are continuing to take decisive action against Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine."
The government issued a NOTAM at 10:22 AM to prevent the private jet from taking off at London Biggin Hill Airport. The aircraft will remain on the ground until an investigation into its ownership and passengers is complete.
It is not known to which individual or entity this aircraft is connected. The Department for Transport said it would not comment on the investigation at this time.
UK ban on Russian aircraft
In response to Russia's conflict with Ukraine, the UK was one of the first countries to ban Russian aircraft from its airspace. On February 25th, the UK announced its ban which would apply to aircraft "owned, chartered or operated by a person connected with Russia, or registered in Russia."
On March 9th, the UK strengthened its powers to detain Russian-linked aircraft, making it a criminal offense for any Russian plane to enter the UK's airspace. This includes any aircraft owned, operated or chartered by Russians.
Shapps said,
"Russian oligarchs flying into the country, they should know this in the clearest signal of all: You can't do that anymore. We can impound your aircraft and turn this into a criminal offense."
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Oligarch jet seized last week
The UK acted swiftly after implementing tougher sanctions by seizing a jet with links to a Russian oligarch. The aircraft, a Bombardier Global 6500 jet, had been scheduled to fly from the UK to Dubai before being grounded by UK authorities.
The jet, registered in Luxembourg, was linked to Eugene Shvidler, a Russian oil billionaire. Authorities revoked the jet's foreign carrier permit and issued a restriction of flying order. The aircraft had traveled to Farnborough, UK, from the United States on March 3rd.
The US is also getting tough on Russian-owned jets, with around 100 planes in the sights of the United States Department of Commerce.
What do you think of the UK's actions against Russian-linked aircraft? Let us know your opinions in the comments.