Turkish Transport Minister Binali Yıldırım said on Wednesday Russia’s refusal to issue visas to crew members working for Turkish budget carrier Pegasus was an “arbitrary” measure and violated international aviation rules.

Lenta.ru, a Moscow-based online newspaper, reported the aforesaid citing Reuters news agency.

Istanbul-based Pegasus Airlines said on Tuesday it suspended flights to and from Russia until January 13, after authorities in Moscow failed to give its crew visas.

Onur Air of Turkey likewise announced it will take similar measures and suspend flights until January 14.

On January 1, Russia suspended its visa-free regimen for Turkish citizens.

This decision was taken because on November 24 of the year past, the Turkish air force had shot down a Russian Su-24 attack aircraft/interdictor nearby the Turkish-Syrian border. The warplane was taking part in the antiterrorism operations in Syria. This incident has led to the ongoing strain in Turkey-Russia relations.