Korean Air routing ICN-GLA

[OntimeexceptACARS]

The Seoul-Glasgow charter flight KAL9919 has again taken a very southerly route avoiding Russian airspace completely. Same as last week, this is the second of three charters this summer.

Does anybody know why? Can't be an ETOPS issue. And there are many other Korean flights taking a more direct northerly route over Russia right now, eg KAL937 Seoul-Vienna which is going to pass north of Moscow.

Only explanation I can offer is that Russia won't allow a non-scheduled flight to transit. Does anybody have an explanation please?

[safelife]

Russian air navigation fees are very expensive, with the current fuel prices the circumnavigation is cheaper than paying their rip off prices.