How the FAA’s Sanctions on Russia Really Work

Who’s on the no-fly list? How hard is it to repossess an aircraft?

Friday, March 11, 2022 at 10:06 AM ET

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One expert says the process of repossessing a Russian aircraft in the midst of this conflict isn't as easy as it might sound. [File Photo: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. initially implemented a broad ban on all Russian-owned or operated aircraft in its airspace but later clarified it applies specifically to individuals and entities on designated sanction lists, not average Russian citizens.
Repossessing or selling sanctioned Russian oligarchs' jets faces significant challenges due to frozen financial assets and Russia's exclusion from global banking systems, complicating money transfers.
Concerns exist regarding a loophole in the FAA's aircraft registry system that makes tracking "beneficial owners" difficult, potentially allowing some sanctioned individuals to bypass flight restrictions.

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Since Russia invaded Ukraine a couple of weeks ago, governments have done everything in their power to severely limit Russia and most of its influential citizens from doing business in the world. The FAA has also found ways to bring pressure to bear by limiting the travel plans of specific Russian individuals of influence and who could appeal to the Russian president.

On March 2, the U.S. government barred all Russian citizens who own or lease aircraft in the United States from operating them in the country’s airspace.