Turkey says Russia violates intl aviation rules

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

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

Read alsoRussia to expand sanctions against Turkey — deputy PMTurkey would use diplomatic channels to appeal to Russia to abide by "international norms," Yildirim said at a news conference.