Which Airlines Still Fly to Russia? Navigating the Skies Amidst Global Shifts

Which Airlines Still Fly to Russia? Navigating the Skies Amidst Global Shifts

The question, "Which airlines still fly to Russia?" has become increasingly complex and a pressing concern for travelers planning trips to or from the vast nation. For many, the immediate thought might conjure images of seamless travel just a few years ago, with a plethora of international carriers offering direct routes. However, the geopolitical landscape has dramatically reshaped the global aviation map, significantly impacting flight options to and from Russia. I remember a few years back, planning a trip to visit friends in Moscow was as straightforward as booking any other European destination. A quick search would yield dozens of options from major carriers. Now, the situation is markedly different, requiring a much more nuanced approach and often involving intricate multi-leg journeys.

The Current Aviation Landscape for Russia

As of my most recent comprehensive review, the direct answer to "Which airlines still fly to Russia?" is that the list of international carriers operating direct scheduled flights has **significantly diminished**. This is primarily due to widespread sanctions and airspace restrictions imposed by numerous countries and blocs in response to geopolitical events. Many Western airlines, citing safety concerns, operational challenges, and adherence to international sanctions, have ceased direct services to Russia. This has, in turn, led to Russia implementing reciprocal airspace bans. However, this doesn't mean Russia is entirely isolated in the skies. Several nations, particularly those with closer diplomatic or economic ties, continue to operate flights. Furthermore, Russia's own national carriers maintain extensive domestic and some international networks. Understanding which airlines *do* still fly to Russia requires looking at several categories: * **Russian National Carriers:** These airlines form the backbone of air travel to and from Russia, operating both domestically and on select international routes. * **Airlines from Neighboring or Friendly Countries:** Carriers from nations that have not imposed strict sanctions or have maintained open diplomatic channels are more likely to continue flying. * **Cargo and Limited Passenger Services:** While passenger routes have been drastically cut, some cargo operations persist, and certain airlines might offer extremely limited or charter passenger services under specific circumstances. Let's delve deeper into these categories to provide a more complete picture.

Russian National Carriers: The Primary Connectors

When considering which airlines still fly to Russia, the most prominent and numerous are the Russian carriers themselves. These airlines remain operational and are the primary means of international travel for many wishing to reach Russia, as well as for Russians traveling abroad to destinations that remain accessible.

Aeroflot – Russia’s Flag Carrier

Aeroflot, the flagship airline of Russia, continues to operate a vast network. Despite facing significant international pressure and some service suspensions, Aeroflot remains a crucial player. * **Domestic Network:** Aeroflot’s domestic network is extensive, connecting major Russian cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok, along with numerous smaller regional airports. This internal connectivity is vital for travel within Russia. * **International Routes:** Aeroflot’s international destinations have been curtailed, but it still operates flights to select countries. These often include: * **Middle Eastern Destinations:** Cities such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Cairo are frequently served. * **Asian Destinations:** Flights to cities in countries like China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou), India (Delhi), Thailand (Bangkok), and Vietnam (Hanoi) are typically maintained. * **Other Select Countries:** Depending on diplomatic relations and bilateral agreements, Aeroflot may also serve a limited number of other destinations in Central Asia and the Caucasus region. It's important to note that Aeroflot’s operations are subject to change based on evolving international relations and regulatory decisions. Travelers should always verify current flight availability directly with the airline or through reputable flight booking platforms.

Siberia Airlines (S7 Airlines)

S7 Airlines, another major Russian carrier, also plays a significant role. While perhaps not as expansive as Aeroflot's international reach, S7 has historically served a range of destinations and continues to do so where feasible. * **Focus on Domestic and CIS Countries:** S7 often has a strong focus on domestic Russian routes and connectivity within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). * **Limited International Flights:** Similar to Aeroflot, S7’s international operations are concentrated on destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and CIS nations that maintain open aviation ties with Russia. Popular routes might include Yerevan, Bishkek, and possibly some destinations in Central Asia.

Other Russian Carriers

Beyond Aeroflot and S7, other Russian airlines like **Ural Airlines** and **UTair** primarily focus on domestic routes and services to CIS countries. Their international operations are generally more limited and specific to particular regional agreements. For instance, Ural Airlines has historically offered flights to a broader range of European destinations, but these have been heavily impacted. Their current international presence is likely concentrated in destinations where bilateral agreements permit.

Airlines from Neighboring and ‘Friendly’ Countries: Key International Links

This category represents the bulk of the remaining international airlines flying to Russia. These carriers often belong to nations that have not joined the broad sanctions regime against Russia or maintain a policy of neutrality regarding the conflict.

Turkish Airlines (Turkey)**

Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, is arguably one of the most significant international airlines still operating regular, direct flights to multiple Russian cities. Turkey has maintained diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, and its strategic location makes it a vital transit hub. * **Extensive Network:** Turkish Airlines flies to major Russian cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Sochi, and Yekaterinburg. * **Transit Hub:** Istanbul, its primary hub, has become an even more critical gateway for travelers connecting to and from Russia, as many Western European hubs are no longer accessible. * **Diverse Routes:** From Russia, travelers can often connect through Istanbul to a wide array of global destinations, making Turkish Airlines a preferred choice for those needing to reach destinations outside of Russia.

Emirates and Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates)**

Airlines from the UAE, namely Emirates and Etihad Airways, continue to operate direct flights to Moscow. The UAE has not imposed sanctions on Russia and maintains robust economic relations. * **Direct Flights to Moscow:** Both Emirates (from Dubai) and Etihad Airways (from Abu Dhabi) offer direct services to Moscow. * **Global Connectivity:** Their respective hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major international airports, providing extensive connectivity to Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This makes them vital conduits for international travel for those in Russia.

Qatar Airways (Qatar)**

Qatar Airways, another major Middle Eastern carrier, also continues to fly to Moscow. Qatar has adopted a stance of neutrality and maintained diplomatic dialogue. * **Direct Service to Moscow:** Qatar Airways offers direct flights from Doha to Moscow. * **Extensive Global Network:** Doha's Hamad International Airport is a world-class hub, facilitating connections to a vast number of destinations globally.

Air China and China Eastern Airlines (China)**

Airlines from China, a key economic partner of Russia, have continued and, in some cases, expanded their services. * **Direct Routes to Major Cities:** Air China and China Eastern Airlines operate direct flights to cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. * **Increased Importance:** With the reduction in Western carriers, Chinese airlines have become even more important for connecting Russia to the vast Asian continent, particularly mainland China.

Other Asian and Middle Eastern Carriers

Depending on bilateral agreements and market demand, other airlines from countries like Iran (e.g., Mahan Air, though often operating on a less predictable schedule and sometimes facing secondary sanctions concerns), and potentially some Central Asian carriers (e.g., Uzbekistan Airways, Air Astana of Kazakhstan – though Air Astana has been cautious due to potential secondary sanctions) may also operate flights to certain Russian cities. However, the operational status of these carriers can be more variable.

Navigating the Practicalities: How to Find Flights and What to Expect

For anyone asking, "Which airlines still fly to Russia?", the practical challenge now lies in finding and booking these flights, and understanding the implications. The process requires diligence and flexibility.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Available Flights

1. **Start with Major Flight Search Engines:** Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia are good starting points. However, be aware that they might not always display all available options, especially for less common routes or carriers operating under specific sanctions regimes. * **Input your desired route:** Enter your origin and destination cities in Russia and your departure point. * **Broaden your search:** Consider searching for flights to/from major international hubs that still have direct connections to Russia (e.g., Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Beijing) and then booking a separate ticket from that hub to your final destination. * **Check different dates:** Flight availability can fluctuate significantly. Experiment with different travel dates and times. 2. **Consult Airline Websites Directly:** Once you identify potential carriers (Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air China, etc.), visit their official websites. * **Verify routes and schedules:** Airlines often have the most up-to-date information on their own sites. * **Check for direct booking options:** Sometimes booking directly can be easier, especially if you encounter issues with third-party platforms. 3. **Consider Multi-Leg Journeys:** It's highly probable that your journey will involve at least one stop. * **Identify Key Transit Hubs:** As mentioned, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, and Beijing are currently the most prominent international transit hubs for travel to and from Russia. * **Book Legs Separately (with caution):** While sometimes necessary, booking separate tickets carries risks. If your first flight is delayed and you miss your second flight, the second airline is not obligated to rebook you. Ensure you leave ample connection time. Ideally, book with carriers that offer "protected connections" or consider booking all legs through a single airline or alliance if possible. 4. **Check Visa and Entry Requirements:** This is paramount. Even if you find a flight, ensure you meet all visa and entry regulations for both Russia and any transit countries. Requirements can change rapidly. 5. **Stay Informed About Travel Advisories:** Governments worldwide issue travel advisories. Always check the latest advice from your country's foreign affairs department regarding travel to Russia and any transit countries.

Personal Experience and Commentary on the Booking Process

In my own recent research for a hypothetical trip, the difference from pre-2022 was stark. Searching for flights from a major US city to Moscow now often presents options with two or even three stops. A typical route might involve: * **Leg 1:** New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) on Turkish Airlines. * **Leg 2:** Istanbul (IST) to Moscow (VKO) on Aeroflot or Turkish Airlines. Or, for a different flavor: * **Leg 1:** Los Angeles (LAX) to Dubai (DXB) on Emirates. * **Leg 2:** Dubai (DXB) to Moscow (VKO) on Emirates. The prices for these multi-leg journeys are often significantly higher than direct flights used to be. Furthermore, the transit times can be very long, sometimes requiring overnight stays in the transit city. This necessitates planning for accommodation, meals, and potentially transit visas depending on the airport and duration of your layover. The psychological aspect is also worth mentioning. Knowing that your flight path avoids certain airspace can add a layer of anxiety. Travelers need to be prepared for potential disruptions, as routes can be affected by unexpected airspace closures or political developments. It’s wise to book flexible tickets if possible and have contingency plans.

Specific Details on Airlines and Routes (Subject to Change)

To provide more concrete information, here's a breakdown of some of the most consistently operating international carriers and their typical routes to Russia. It is *imperative* to remember that this information is dynamic.

Turkish Airlines

* **Primary Hub:** Istanbul (IST) * **Destinations in Russia:** Moscow (VKO, SVO), St. Petersburg (LED), Kazan (KZN), Sochi (AER), Yekaterinburg (SVX), and potentially others depending on current operational capacity. * **Why they fly:** Turkey's neutral stance and strategic location. * **Traveler Tip:** Offers extensive onward connections from Istanbul.

Emirates

* **Primary Hub:** Dubai (DXB) * **Destinations in Russia:** Moscow (VKO, SVO). * **Why they fly:** Strong economic ties between UAE and Russia. * **Traveler Tip:** Dubai is a major hub with vast global connectivity.

Etihad Airways

* **Primary Hub:** Abu Dhabi (AUH) * **Destinations in Russia:** Moscow (VKO, SVO). * **Why they fly:** Similar to Emirates, strong UAE-Russia economic relations. * **Traveler Tip:** Abu Dhabi offers a slightly different, often perceived as more premium, transit experience compared to Dubai.

Qatar Airways

* **Primary Hub:** Doha (DOH) * **Destinations in Russia:** Moscow (VKO, SVO). * **Why they fly:** Qatar's policy of neutrality and diplomatic engagement. * **Traveler Tip:** Doha's airport is renowned for its efficiency and service.

Air China

* **Primary Hub:** Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX). * **Destinations in Russia:** Moscow (SVO), possibly St. Petersburg (LED). * **Why they fly:** Deep strategic and economic partnership between China and Russia. * **Traveler Tip:** Excellent gateway to mainland China and other parts of Asia.

China Eastern Airlines

* **Primary Hub:** Shanghai (PVG). * **Destinations in Russia:** Moscow (SVO), potentially other cities depending on agreements. * **Why they fly:** Similar rationale to Air China. * **Traveler Tip:** Connects Russia to China's vibrant economic centers.

Aeroflot (and its subsidiaries like Rossiya Airlines)**

* **Primary Hub:** Moscow (SVO, DME). * **Destinations (International):** As previously mentioned, primarily the Middle East, Asia, and CIS nations. * **Why they fly:** Russia's national carrier, essential for its connectivity. * **Traveler Tip:** For travel *to* Russia from countries that still have direct flights, or for domestic travel within Russia.

S7 Airlines

* **Primary Hub:** Moscow (DME), Novosibirsk (OVB). * **Destinations (International):** Primarily CIS countries, potentially some routes to the Middle East or Asia depending on current status. * **Why they fly:** Major Russian airline. * **Traveler Tip:** Good option for reaching destinations within Russia or in neighboring CIS countries.

Considerations for Other Regions

* **Central Asia:** Airlines from countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan often maintain flights to Russian cities, serving as important connectors for people in those regions. However, carriers like Air Astana of Kazakhstan have been particularly cautious about potential secondary sanctions, so their route network may be more limited or subject to review. * **Armenia & Georgia:** While Armenia has historically had strong ties, and flights have been more consistent, the situation with Georgia can be more complex due to political relations. Direct flights might exist but can be subject to abrupt changes. * **Europe:** Direct scheduled passenger flights from most European countries to Russia are **suspended**. This means traveling from London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, etc., to Moscow or St. Petersburg typically requires a transit through one of the hubs mentioned above (Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Beijing). * **North America:** Direct flights from the US, Canada, and Mexico are **suspended**. Travel from North America will inevitably involve at least one stop, most likely in the Middle East or Asia. * **South America:** Similar to North America, direct flights are **suspended**. Travel will require transiting through hubs that still connect to Russia. * **Australia & Oceania:** Direct flights are **suspended**. Travel will involve multiple stops, likely through Asia and then potentially a Middle Eastern hub.

The Impact of Airspace Restrictions and Sanctions

It's crucial to understand *why* the airline map has changed so dramatically. * **Sanctions:** Many Western countries (US, Canada, UK, EU member states, Australia, Japan, etc.) have imposed sanctions on Russia. These sanctions often include bans on Russian aircraft operating within their airspace and prohibitions on Russian airlines flying into their territories. * **Reciprocal Measures:** Russia has responded with its own bans on aircraft from sanctioning countries. This has effectively closed off large swathes of airspace for many international carriers. * **Safety Concerns:** Some airlines cite safety concerns related to operating in or near affected airspace, or potential risks associated with overflying certain regions. * **Insurance and Operational Challenges:** Obtaining insurance for flights to and from Russia can be challenging and expensive for many international airlines. Maintaining aircraft with Western parts can also be an issue due to export controls. These factors combined have led to the current situation where only a select group of international airlines, and primarily Russian ones, continue to operate scheduled passenger services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**

Here, we address some common questions regarding airlines flying to Russia.

Which European airlines still fly to Russia?

Currently, **very few, if any, major European airlines operate direct scheduled passenger flights to Russia.** This is due to widespread sanctions and airspace bans imposed by the European Union and individual member states. Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, British Airways, and others have suspended their services to Russia. The primary exception might be **Turkish Airlines**, which is based in Turkey, a country that is not part of the EU and has maintained a more neutral stance. Turkish Airlines continues to operate direct flights to several Russian cities from its hub in Istanbul. For travelers originating in Europe wishing to reach Russia, the typical route involves flying to a transit hub in a country that still maintains flights to Russia (such as Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, or Beijing) and then taking a separate flight from that hub to their Russian destination. This often results in significantly longer travel times and increased costs.

Are there still direct flights from the USA to Russia?

**No, there are currently no direct scheduled passenger flights between the United States and Russia.** All major US-based airlines (like Delta, American Airlines, United) suspended their services to Russia following the imposition of sanctions. Russia also reciprocated with airspace bans. Therefore, any travel from the USA to Russia will involve at least one, and more commonly two, layovers. The most common transit points for travelers from the US heading to Russia are major hubs in the Middle East (like Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi) or Asia (like Beijing). This means a typical journey might look like: * **Leg 1:** USA to a Middle Eastern or Asian hub (e.g., New York to Dubai on Emirates). * **Leg 2:** Middle Eastern or Asian hub to Moscow or St. Petersburg (e.g., Dubai to Moscow on Emirates). These multi-leg journeys can be lengthy, often exceeding 24 hours of total travel time, and require careful planning regarding connections, visas, and potential overnight stays.

Why have so many airlines stopped flying to Russia?**

The primary reason is the **widespread international sanctions and airspace restrictions imposed on Russia** by numerous countries and blocs, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Japan, among others. These measures were enacted in response to geopolitical events. These sanctions often include: * **Airspace Bans:** Prohibiting Russian aircraft from entering the airspace of sanctioning countries. * **Landing Bans:** Preventing Russian airlines from landing in these countries. * **Prohibitions on Services:** Many airlines have also voluntarily ceased operations due to: * **Operational Difficulties:** Navigating complex airspace bans and flight restrictions can be operationally challenging and increase flight times and costs significantly. * **Insurance and Financial Concerns:** Obtaining insurance for flights to and from Russia has become difficult and expensive for many international carriers. Some financial transactions related to Russian operations might also be affected by sanctions. * **Safety and Security:** Some airlines cite general safety and security concerns related to operating in or near affected regions. * **Ethical and Reputational Considerations:** For many Western companies, continuing services to Russia posed significant reputational risks and was seen as contrary to international solidarity. Russia has, in turn, implemented reciprocal measures, further limiting the ability of many airlines to fly over its territory or land there. This has created a significant disruption in global air travel patterns, particularly for routes to and from Russia.

What are the best transit hubs for flying to Russia now?**

Given the current flight restrictions, the most prominent and reliable transit hubs for reaching Russia are located in countries that have not imposed sanctions and maintain open aviation ties. These include: * **Istanbul, Turkey (IST):** This is perhaps the most crucial transit hub for travel between Europe, the Americas, and Russia. Turkish Airlines operates a vast network, connecting numerous international destinations to several Russian cities. * **Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB):** Emirates offers direct flights from Dubai to Moscow and provides extensive connections to global destinations. * **Doha, Qatar (DOH):** Qatar Airways connects Doha to Moscow and offers a wide array of onward travel options. * **Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (AUH):** Etihad Airways also provides direct flights to Moscow, serving as another key Middle Eastern gateway. * **Beijing, China (PEK/PKX):** For travel between Russia and Asia, or as a connection point from further afield, Chinese airlines like Air China and China Eastern Airlines offer direct routes to major Russian cities. When choosing a transit hub, consider factors such as: * **Connection Time:** Ensure you have sufficient time to make your connection, especially if booking separate tickets. * **Visa Requirements:** Check if you need a transit visa for the hub country. * **Airport Facilities:** Look for airports with good amenities if you have a long layover. * **Airline Alliances:** If possible, booking through airlines that are part of the same alliance can offer more seamless connections and better protection in case of delays.

Can I fly to Russia on my own country's airline if it's not European or North American?**

**Yes, absolutely.** If your country has maintained diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, or has not imposed sanctions, then its national airline or other carriers from your country may still fly to Russia. The key factor is the bilateral aviation agreement and the geopolitical stance between your country and Russia. For example: * **Middle Eastern Countries:** As discussed, airlines from the UAE and Qatar are prominent. * **Asian Countries:** Airlines from China, and potentially some from Central Asia or Southeast Asia (depending on current relations and demand), may still operate. * **Some African Countries:** Depending on specific relationships, there might be direct flights from certain African nations. It is always best to check the flight schedules and routes offered by the national carriers of countries that are not part of the broad sanctions coalition. Their websites will provide the most current information.

What are the risks of booking flights that involve multiple carriers or separate tickets?**

Booking flights with multiple carriers, especially if they are on separate tickets (an "online" connection versus an "interline" or "through" ticket), carries inherent risks. The most significant risk is **"self-transfer."** Here's a breakdown of the risks: 1. **Missed Connections:** If your first flight is delayed for any reason (mechanical issues, weather, air traffic control, etc.), and you miss your second flight, the second airline has no obligation to rebook you for free. You may have to purchase a new, potentially very expensive, last-minute ticket. 2. **Baggage Transfer:** When you book separate tickets, your baggage is often not automatically transferred between flights. You may need to collect your checked luggage at the arrival airport of the first flight, go through immigration and customs, and then re-check your bags for the second flight. This requires significant extra time. 3. **Changes and Cancellations:** If either flight is changed or cancelled, managing the situation can be complex. You are dealing with two different airlines, each with its own policies and customer service. 4. **Visa Requirements:** If your layover requires you to leave the transit airport or stay overnight, you might need a transit visa for that country. This is an additional complication that needs to be managed. 5. **Lack of Recourse:** In cases of significant disruption, your options for compensation or assistance might be limited compared to booking a single ticket with one airline or alliance. **Mitigation Strategies:** * **Book "Through Tickets":** Whenever possible, book all legs of your journey on a single ticket, even if it involves multiple airlines (this is called an "interline agreement"). This way, the airlines are responsible for ensuring you make your connection, and your baggage is checked through to your final destination. * **Leave Ample Connection Time:** If booking separate tickets is unavoidable, choose connections with a very generous layover time (e.g., 4-6 hours minimum, or even overnight). * **Stay in the Same Terminal/Airport:** If possible, book flights that arrive and depart from the same airport and ideally the same terminal to minimize the need for transit between facilities. * **Check Baggage Policies:** Be absolutely clear on whether your baggage will be checked through to your final destination. * **Purchase Travel Insurance:** Comprehensive travel insurance can help mitigate some of the financial risks associated with missed connections, flight cancellations, and lost baggage.

The Future of Air Travel to Russia**

Predicting the future of international air travel to Russia is challenging due to the fluid geopolitical situation. The landscape has been fundamentally altered, and any return to pre-2022 levels of service is unlikely in the short to medium term. * **Continued Reliance on Non-Western Hubs:** It is probable that airlines from countries not participating in sanctions will continue to be the primary international carriers serving Russia. Hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, and Beijing will likely remain critical transit points. * **Potential for New Agreements:** As geopolitical dynamics shift, new bilateral agreements could emerge, potentially allowing a limited number of other carriers to resume or initiate services. However, this would depend on broader political de-escalation. * **Focus on Domestic and Regional Connectivity:** Russian airlines will continue to focus heavily on their domestic network and on maintaining connectivity within the CIS and to other accessible international destinations. * **Cargo Operations:** Cargo flights may continue to operate with fewer restrictions than passenger flights, playing a vital role in trade. For travelers, the key takeaway is that planning international trips to or from Russia now requires significantly more research, flexibility, and potentially higher costs and longer travel times compared to the past. Always verify the latest flight information directly with airlines and consult official government travel advisvisories. The question "Which airlines still fly to Russia?" remains one that demands a dynamic and up-to-date answer. In conclusion, while the skies over Russia are not entirely closed off, the pathways have become considerably more circuitous. The airlines that still fly to Russia are predominantly its own carriers, alongside a select group of international airlines from countries maintaining open relations, with the Middle East and Asia serving as the primary gateways. Navigating this altered landscape requires diligence, foresight, and a thorough understanding of the current geopolitical realities impacting global aviation.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview for travelers concerned about which airlines still fly to Russia. The information presented is based on current understanding but is subject to rapid change due to the dynamic nature of international relations and aviation regulations.