In a new development, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has accused the United States of pressuring Turkish Airlines to obstruct Russian citizens from traveling to Mexico via its flights [39ccec97]. The accusation comes after complaints from Moscow's embassy in Ankara about Russian passengers being denied boarding while transiting through Istanbul en route to Latin American destinations [39ccec97]. While no concrete evidence has been provided to substantiate the claim, industry insiders and the Russian Association of Tour Operators suspect U.S. pressure may be influencing Turkish Airlines' policies [39ccec97]. Turkish authorities and Turkish Airlines have not responded to the allegations [39ccec97].
This diplomatic dispute raises questions about the motives behind the flight denials and the impact on international air travel [39ccec97].
This accusation from Russia adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between the United States, Russia, and Turkey, highlighting the complex dynamics of their relationship and the potential for conflicts of interest [39ccec97].