Ukraine speaks to European Commission against limiting flight traffic over Dnipro, Kharkiv and Zaporizhia

As the sources in the European Commission told UNIAN, the information of the Ukrainian side was reviewed by intelligence experts, whose conclusions will be provided to the European Aviation Security Agency (EASA) with subsequent publication in the Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB).

"In the immediate aftermath of the downing of Malaysian Airlines MH17 the Commission has set up together with national intelligence a robust system for assessing the risk of civil aviation flights over conflict zones and to provide risk information to the airlines," the source in the European Commission has told an UNIAN correspondent in Brussels.

"Regular meetings are being held to determine the risk level in pre-defined geographical areas. At these meetings, which are attended by intelligence experts only, classified information is being exchanged and the risk picture is determined on the basis of a common EU risk assessment methodology. The European Aviation Safety Agency, which does not attend these meetings is informed about the final outcome of the risk assessment," said the interlocutor.

"Thereafter, in its role of informing aviation stakeholders the Agency issues specific EASA Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB) which is a bulletin which can convey information or recommendations regarding risks to civil aviation arising from conflict zones. Before publishing any new or updated CZIBs, the Agency consults its contact point in the respective third country. With regard to the updated CZIB on the airspace of Eastern Ukraine – Dnipropetrovsk Flight Information Region, EASA consulted the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine for possible comments," the source said.

Read alsoUkraine against EASA recommendations on closure of Kharkiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhia airports"Ukraine provided additional information to the Commission and invited to reconsider the risk information proposed by EASA. The intelligence experts have been consulted on this additional information and the possible need to revise the initial assessment. The final outcome of this consultation will be reflected in the CZIB which EASA will issue as soon as it has received the requested information," according to the source.