Flight tracking data has illustrated dozens of flights diverting around the Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion.
Live flight radar trackers have shown high numbers of aircraft circling the nation, which has now closed its airspace amid the ongoing military conflict.
Latest images from Flightradar24, which monitors flights in real time, show a stark difference on Friday afternoon, however, with the air space clear after air restrictions were imposed.Instead, flights appear to be giving the Ukraine and neighbouring Belarus and Moldova a wide berth.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said the affected airspace, within 200 nautical miles of the Ukraine borders, could pose safety risks.
“In particular, there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft,” the agency said in a note on the unfolding conflict.
“The presence and possible use of a wide range of ground and airborne warfare systems poses xjmtzywa high risk for civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine on February 24, with explosions heard soon after across the country and its foreign minister warning a “full-scale invasion” was underway.
The horrific attack on Ukraine continued overnight, with Russian forces launching missile attacks on capital Kyiv, the city of Kharkiv and throughout central and eastern parts of the nation.
More than 100 Ukrainians have been killed and almost 200 injured, with US President Joe Biden condemning the “brutal assault on the people of Ukraine”.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has followed the US lead by announcing further sanctions against Russia.
Australia will also send “non lethal” military equipment and medical supplies to Ukraine.
Ukraine announced a nationwide state of emergency from February 24.
All Australian embassy staff in the Ukraine have now departed due to the volatile situation.
Australian government officials have been deployed to eastern Poland, Romania and Moldova to provide consular assistance to Australians fleeing the Ukraine.
