Germany denies Russian airlines permission for flights in response to Moscow blocking Lufthansa

BERLIN (AP) – German officials say Germany has denied Russian airlines permission to use its airspace after Moscow failed to approve a Lufthansa flight to Russia. In a statement, Germany’s Transport Ministry said the decision was based on the practice of reciprocal approval of flights, and affected connections operated by Aeroflot and budget carrier S7. Wednesday’s tit-for-tat decision comes amid mounting tension between Russia and the European Union over Moscow’s support for Belarus.