Aeroflot
has just found itself with a significant hurdle to overcome if it wants to continue operations - Sabre, Amadeus and Travelport have removed fares from the airline from their systems.
Sabre was the first of the main global distribution systems to issue a statement that it has axed its distribution with the Russian goverment majority-owned airline.
The decision was made in the wake of the invasion by Russian armed forces of neighboring country Ukraine last week.
Aeroflot has already found itself unable to fly across a number of airspaces and land in many countries around the world.
The Russian government has followed suit by banning some carriers from destinations in Russia.
Sabre says it is removing Aeroflot flights from its GDS, rendering the carrier unable to receive any forward bookings from travel agencies, online travel agencies, travel management companies and other ticket sellers connected to the system.
CEO Sean Menke says the company is "taking a stand against this military conflict."
"We are complying, and will continue to comply, with sanctions imposed against Russia," he adds. "In addition, today we announced that Sabre has terminated its distribution agreement with Aeroflot, removing its content from our GDS.”
It is not clear as yet if Aeroflot will still be using Sabre for any other services from the U.S. based company, such as the SabreSonic platform for check-in, flight and boarding control systems. Switching off the SabreSonic for Aeroflot could esentially ground the airline.
Sellers not connected to the airline through the GDS will still be able to book fares.
"The company will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and will evaluate whether additional actions would be appropriate, taking into account legal considerations and any counter measures that could be implemented in response," Sabre says.
An official from Amadeus says: "In light of the attacks on Ukraine we immediately stopped any new planned commercial projects in Russia."
The Spain-based company adds that it will not sign any new contracts in Russia and is evaluating its existing portfolio of work in the country.
The official continues: "We can confirm that we have begun suspending the distribution of Aeroflot fares in our systems. At the same time, we continue to assess and evaluate the potential impact of international sanctions imposed on Russia and any counter-measures by Russia."
Travelport has been asked for its position with regards to Aeroflot fares on the GDS.
The last of the three main GDS to take a stance, an official says it is working with governments around the world to uphold sanctions imposed against Russia.
The official adds: "We have taken the decision to immediately suspend Aeroflot sales from the platform."