Belavia Belarusian AirlinesB2

Belavia Belarusian Airlines is the flag carrier of Belarus, founded in 1996 and headquartered in Minsk. Operating from its hub at Minsk National Airport (MSQ), Belavia serves as the primary airline connecting Belarus to international destinations.

Important Note on Current Operations: Since May 2021, Belavia has been subject to an EU airspace ban following the forced diversion of Ryanair Flight 4978 to Minsk. This ban prohibits Belavia from flying to, from, or over EU airspace. As a result, the airline's network has been significantly reduced from its pre-2021 coverage of 50+ European destinations.

Belavia currently operates flights to destinations in Russia, CIS countries, Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Serbia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and China. The airline maintains a fleet of approximately 20 aircraft, primarily Embraer E-Jets and Boeing 737s, providing both domestic connections and international services to accessible markets.

The airline is not a member of any global alliance and operates independently. Despite the operational restrictions, Belavia continues to serve as Belarus's primary international air transport provider.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (16 x 12 x 6 in)
• Maximum weight: 5 kg (11 lbs)
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack

Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (22 x 16 x 8 in) including handles and wheels
• Weight limit varies by class:

Class	Cabin Bag Weight	Personal Item
Economy Light	8 kg (18 lbs)	5 kg (11 lbs)
Economy Classic	8 kg (18 lbs)	5 kg (11 lbs)
Economy Flex	8 kg (18 lbs)	5 kg (11 lbs)
Business Class	12 kg (26 lbs)	5 kg (11 lbs)

Checked Baggage

Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) linear (length + width + height) Maximum weight: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag

Fare	Bags Included	Weight	Purchase Price
Economy Light	0	-	From 60 BYN (~$18/EUR 17)
Economy Classic	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	-
Economy Flex	1	23 kg (50 lbs)	-
Business Class	2	32 kg (70 lbs) each	-

Additional bag purchase:

• Online: From 60 BYN (~$18)
• At airport: Higher fees apply (purchase online recommended)

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Condition	Fee
24-32 kg (53-70 lbs)	100 BYN (~$30)
Oversized (159+ cm)	Additional fees vary by route
Over 32 kg	Not accepted

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	80 BYN (~$25)	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboard	80 BYN (~$25)	Skis + boots in one bag
Bicycle	120 BYN (~$37)	Must be boxed
Car seat	Free	One per child
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Advance notice recommended

Prepurchase recommendation: Always purchase excess baggage online for lower rates than airport pricing.

Fees as of January 2025. Currency conversions approximate. Verify at belavia.by/baggage before traveling.

Cabin Classes

Belavia operates two cabin classes: Business Class and Economy Class.

Business Class

Boeing 737:

• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 38 inches (97 cm)
• Seat width: 20 inches (51 cm)
• Enhanced recline
• Middle seat free on 3-3 configurations (blocked)

Embraer E195:

• Configuration: 1-2 (single seat and pair)
• Similar pitch and comfort to 737

Business Class Amenities:

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Lounge access at MSQ
• Complimentary hot meals
• Expanded beverage selection including wine and spirits
• Enhanced cabin bag allowance (12 kg)
• 2 checked bags (32 kg each) included

Economy Class

Seat Specifications (Boeing 737):

• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches (76-79 cm)
• Seat width: 17-18 inches (43-46 cm)
• Standard recline

Seat Specifications (Embraer E175/E195):

• Seat pitch: 31 inches (79 cm)
• Seat width: 18 inches (46 cm) (2-2 configuration on E175)
• Configuration: 2-2 (E175) or 2-2 (E195)
• No middle seats on Embraer aircraft

In-Flight Entertainment

• No seatback entertainment systems
• No WiFi currently available
• Bring personal entertainment for longer flights

Meals & Beverages

Business Class:

• Complimentary hot meals on all flights
• Wine, beer, and spirits included
• Enhanced menu options

Economy Class:

• Complimentary snacks and beverages on most flights
• Light meal service on longer routes
• Soft drinks, tea, coffee included
• Alcoholic beverages available for purchase

Special Meals: Available with advance request (24-48 hours before departure):

• Vegetarian
• Kosher
• Halal
• Diabetic
• Children's meals

Contact Belavia reservations or request through booking management.

Before Booking:

• Verify route currently operates (network changes frequently)
• Check visa requirements for Belarus and destination country
• Compare prices in BYN, USD, and EUR (website offers multiple currencies)
• Economy Light has no checked bag - add bag cost when comparing fares
• Consider payment method - some non-Belarusian cards may not work

Booking Considerations:

• Book directly on belavia.by for best prices and support
• Third-party booking sites may have limited availability
• Flight times can change - verify close to departure
• Print confirmation and booking documents

At Minsk Airport:

• MSQ is a small, manageable airport
• Arrive 2 hours before international flights
• Currency exchange available but rates may be poor
• Limited dining options - eat before arriving
• Duty-free selection available

Baggage:

• Prepurchase excess baggage online for discounts
• Weight limits are enforced
• Embraer aircraft have smaller overhead bins than 737s

On Board:

• Bring entertainment (no seatback screens)
• Download content before flight (no WiFi)
• Embraer E-Jets have no middle seats (2-2 configuration)
• Snacks provided but bring food for longer flights if desired

Connections:

• Limited connection options via MSQ due to restricted network
• If connecting to Russia/CIS destinations, allow adequate time
• No alliance partnerships for seamless connections

Currency Notes:

• BYN (Belarusian Ruble) is the primary currency
• USD and EUR accepted for international booking
• Credit card acceptance can be inconsistent
• Carry some USD/EUR as backup

Current Operational Notes:

• EU airspace ban significantly limits destinations
• Cannot transit through or fly to EU countries
• Some routes operate seasonally
• Schedule reliability can vary
• Monitor flight status closely before travel

Belavia Leader Program:

• Join before flying to earn miles
• Limited redemption value given restricted network
• No partner earning opportunities
• Consider if frequent Belarus travel planned