newstodate.aero

Apr 17, 2024 (newstodate): The Turkish leisure carrier Southwind Airlines has been banned from operating flights to and from EU destinations.
   The ban has been enforced on the initiative by Finland's Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, citing the EU Sanctions Regulation.
   According to Traficom, the ownership and control of Southwind Airlines is not in the hands of Turkish entities or individuals as the airline is controlled by Russian individuals.
   Not surprisingly, Southwind Airlines has rejected the claims found to be without any evidence or concrete justification.
   Southwind Airlines, with HQ in Antalya and supported by the Turkish state, applied with Traficom for start of operations to Finland, leading Traficom to look into the actual conditions around the carrier.  
   As a result, the carrier's request was denied, and the issue was brought to the EU Commission.
   Founded in April 2022, Southwind Airlines is active in carrying tourists from both Russia and Belarus to leisure destinations in Turkey.