The move, which follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, will greatly limit Aeroflot’s ability to issue tickets. Sabre rival Amadeus has taken similar steps. It comes after the UK, along EU member states and several other countries, banned all Russian carriers from their airspace.
"The power to have the most dramatic impact in travel right now lies in the hands of one company, and yesterday [Thursday], they stepped up and did the right thing," said Poon Tip. "Without Sabre, Aeroflot is unable to issue tickets, which will cause mass disruption for domestic travel in Russia."
Poon Tip also called for industry-wide unity in condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and to do its bit to put pressure on Vladimir Putin’s regime. G Adventures has cancelled its trips to Russia and banned resident Russian nationals from travelling with the adventure specialist "to apply internal pressure and invoke change".
"This is exactly what we need to come together in travel to embrace our ability to be a transformational industry," Poon Tip continued. "A few hours before the [Sabre] announcement, I was set send an appeal to Sabre, asking them to stop their support of Aeroflot and realise their potential as a key player in the travel industry’s fight against this unjust war.
"Russia has a thriving domestic travel market, serving leisure and corporate travellers and carrying people to do business, as well as on vacation. Having already been cut off from the world of international travel, it is at home that the Russian people will feel the most pressure and become increasingly frustrated with this regime.
"This manoeuvre from Sabre is vital – we need everyday people to rise up and fight for their everyday freedoms. Without Sabre, internal travel becomes extremely difficult. This is an incredible example of the leadership our industry needs to apply essential pressure internally."
He continued: "The Russian government needs to know that every industry, including travel and tourism, stands against its actions and will support any and all sanctions that seek to protect Ukraine’s sovereignty, freedom and independence."
Poon Tip highlighted how other sectors had stepped up their pressure on Moscow by implementing curbs and complying with sanctions, and stressed travel and tourism had to step up too. "Industries all around us are fighting in their own way, wielding their individual power and influence," he said. "It is so important that travel plays its part alongside these movements to drive transformative change."
Poon Tip added that while he recognised the sanctions would impact ordinary Russians, the vast majority of whom do not support the invasion, the "only solution" was to apply pressure within Russia and force citizens to demand change.
"Will we do enough? Only history will tell. What I do know is we all need to be part of the solution to a faster, more peaceful resolution," said Poon Tip.
