Airlines weigh options on Siberia flight ban

[DALLAS] United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are evaluating options for re-routing flights should Russia carry through with a threat to close Siberian airspace to carriers from North America and Europe.

Such a ban is "on the table" as Russia considers next steps after barring imports of an array of foods from Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said. Aviation manufacturing, shipbuilding and motor vehicle industries also may be targeted, he told Russia's cabinet.

Barring Siberian overflights would affect hundreds of weekly trips by North American and European passenger and cargo carriers. United, Delta and United Parcel Service said they were making contingency plans as Mr Medvedev's comments added to the rising tensions over the political crisis in Ukraine.