Russian airline S7 suspended from Oneworld alliance

Russia's S7 Airlines has been suspended from the Oneworld frequent flyer alliance following its home country's invasion of Ukraine.

The airline is the second largest in Russia, and one of two that belong to a global airline alliance. A number of Oneworld airlines — including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and British Airways — had already cut ties with S7.

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In a statement, a Oneworld spokesperson confirmed the suspension — effective Tuesday — and noted the move would likely affect few passengers.

Oneworld and S7 Airlines have agreed to a suspension of S7 Airlines’ membership in the alliance effective 19 April 2022.

As of that date, Oneworld benefits for customers of Oneworld member airlines (other than S7 Airlines) will be suspended when traveling on S7 Airlines flights. Oneworld benefits will also be suspended for S7 Airlines customers traveling on Oneworld member airline flights.

Given that passenger volumes are low, any impact on customers is expected to be minimal.

Oneworld's website has been updated to reflect the change:

S7 joined Oneworld in November 2010, and at the time was seen as an important foothold for the alliance in a then-fast-growing aviation market.

Now, the move is the latest step to ostracize Russia in the global aviation market after its invasion of Ukraine in February. Much of the world's airspace is now closed to Russian operators as a diplomatic response to the war. Russia has also nationalized its civil aviation fleet — effectively stealing aircraft from lessors.

More: ‘You’re seeing the rule of law basically torched’: Russia nationalizes its passenger jets

Prior to the war, S7's network stretched into Europe and Asia. Now, as a result of airspace closures and the high likelihood of aircraft seizures, S7 is a largely domestic airline — a transformation that has happened across Russia's aviation industry.

While S7 has been suspended from Oneworld, Russia's largest airline, Aeroflot, remains in the SkyTeam alliance. However, some airlines in that alliance, including Delta Air Lines, have largely severed ties.