Turkey Says Russia Violates Aviation Rules On Crew Visas

Turkish Transport Minister Binali Yildirim said Russia's refusal to issue visas to crew members working for budget airline Pegasus was an "arbitrary" measure and violated international aviation rules.

Istanbul-based Pegasus on Tuesday suspended flights to and from Russia until January 13 after authorities in Moscow failed to give its crew visas.

Turkey would use diplomatic channels to appeal to Russia to abide by "international norms," Yildirim said at a news conference.