KIEV, August 14./ITAR-TASS/. Ukraine’s State Aviation Service is introducing a special transit regime via Ukraine’s airspace for several Russian air companies at 20:00 Kiev time and 21:00 Moscow time on Thursday, Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure reported.

“The measures directly concern the Transaero and Aeroflot airlines which make transit flights via Ukraine en route from Russia to Bulgaria, Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Greece,” the Ministry said.

These air companies will be allowed to cross Ukraine’s airspace only upon receiving special permits from Ukraine’s State Aviation Service for each separate flight.

“The measures are being introduced to ensure the necessary level of aviation security and streamline transit via Ukraine by air companies, which are violating the flying rules over Crimea (Ukraine considers the airspace over the peninsula to be closed),” Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure said.