The need to avoid Russian airspace an area of 26m square kilometres has turned airlines into collateral victims of the war in Ukraine. It has proved a particular headache for some carriers flying between parts of Asia and Europe. The need to avoid Russian airspace an area of 26m square kilometres has turned airlines into collateral victims of the war in Ukraine. It has proved a particular headache for some carriers flying between parts of Asia and Europe. Will Europe Avoid Russia Airspace completely ?