Plane grounded over ‘possible links’ to Russia

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plane has been grounded because of possible links to Russia, Grant Shapps has said.

Writing on Twitter the 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 determining action against Putin and his illegal war in Ukraine.”

The US has grounded nearly 100 planes with ties to Russia, including one owned by current Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.

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The US Commerce Department said the planes are in contravention of US sanctions on Russia.

The US, Canada and European allies have banned Russian aircraft from operating in their airspace, forcing Russian airlines to largely abandon their international routes.

In a statement the US Commerce Department said any refuelling, maintenance or repair work of any of the listed aircraft – as well as the provision of export spare parts – violates US controls.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said the move was in response to “Russia’s brutal war of choice against Ukraine”.

She added: “We will not allow Russian and Belarusian companies and oligarchs to travel with impunity in violation of our laws.”

In the UK, it is a criminal offense for planes owned or chartered by Russians to enter UK airspace, and new trade sanctions prevent all UK exports of aviation or space-related technology to Russia.

Introducing the new measures earlier this month Mr Shapps said: “We will always work to deny [Russian President Vladimir] Putin and his crones the right to continue as normal while innocent Ukrainians suffer.”

A private jet has already been impounded at Farnborough Airport in Hampshire after authorities suspected billionaire Russian oligarch Eugene Shvidler was on board.

Mr Shvidler has not been personally sanctioned by the UK at any stage.

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