Israel has banned regular flights between the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don to Israeli capital Tel Aviv, an official representative of Aeroflot subsidiary Donavia said.
Dmitry Bakulin said the company received a letter on Wednesday saying the ban was made in retaliation to previous actions by the Russian authorities.
"The Russian aviation authorities did not give permission to Israeli air carrier Sun D'or to hold special events during a Rostov-on-Don - Tel Aviv flight," Baulin said.
In June 2009, Israeli air carriers decided not to launch flights to the South of Russia when Russian authorities refused to let armed Israeli security into the country. Israel also refused to accept flights by Aeroflot-Don (Donavia). The flights were resumed at the end of 2009.
Bakulin said Donavia was holding flights to Israel in strict accordance with Russian and Israeli laws and that the ban was a force majeure as it was introduced by the Israeli state authorities.
"After consulting with a Rostov region governor and the local Jewish community, the airline's management has decided not to halt air traffic between the south of Russia and Israel," Bakulin said.
He explained that Donavia is the official freight carrier on the Sochi (southern Russia) - Tel Aviv route and the company has therefore asked the Israeli aviation authorities to allow Rostov-on-Don - Sochi - Tel Aviv flights from July 4, 2010.
