Russia fails again in bid for seat on UN aviation agency council

The United States and European Union have been outspoken against Russia’s return to the council. US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described Russia as "the most aggressive abuser and violator of international agreements and international norms." Ahead of Saturday's vote, European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen stated: "It is unacceptable that a state which endangers the safety and security of air passengers and violates international rules should hold a seat on the organization’s governing body, tasked with upholding those very rules."

At this year’s assembly, Russia attempted to restore its standing within global aviation circles. The country lost its ICAO council position after seizing hundreds of Western-made aircraft from lessors during sanctions imposed over Ukraine, resulting in estimated losses for leasing companies amounting to $10 billion.

Reports indicate that Russian authorities have continued activities such as GPS jamming affecting commercial flights. Earlier this month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced Russian GPS interference while traveling to Bulgaria, causing her aircraft to circle before landing. According to ICAO data, more than 120,000 flights in the Baltic region were impacted by Russian jamming between January and April 2025.

Historically part of ICAO’s first-tier member states due to controlling large airspace volumes, Russia now faces strained relations with other aviation stakeholders. Earlier this year, ICAO formally attributed responsibility for Malaysia Airlines Flight 17’s downing in 2014 to Russia—the first time it resolved such a dispute among member states.

Russian airlines continue operating Airbus and Boeing fleets despite sanctions limiting access to spare parts and maintenance resources. Mechanical failure rates are reportedly higher than global averages because operators face difficulties sourcing components or meeting maintenance standards—a situation cited by Russia as justification for regaining an ICAO seat. While some parts still reach Russian carriers through indirect channels, these measures have not been sufficient for maintaining safe operations.