US lifts sanctions on Belavia after Lukashenko meeting, opening door for Embraer jets

The United States has removed Belavia Airlines from its sanctions blacklist following a meeting between US envoy John Cole and Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko on 11 September, in which Minsk agreed to release 52 political prisoners.

The move eases restrictions that had crippled Belavia since Western sanctions were imposed after the 2021 Ryanair flight diversion and deepened following Belarus’ support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions had blocked Belavia from acquiring new aircraft, forcing Embraer to suspend deliveries and lessor AerCap to repossess three E195-E2 jets, which were later placed with TUI fly Belgium. The airline also turned to improvised acquisitions of Airbus A330s.

With sanctions relief, Belavia may now resume talks with Embraer or Boeing, though EU and UK restrictions remain in place, limiting potential Airbus deals.