Despite ongoing sanctions imposed by Western countries following the conflict in Ukraine, numerous international airlines continue to operate flights to Russia in 2025. Several major carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air China, and El Al, maintain regular scheduled services to Russian cities, ensuring continued air connectivity for travelers.
The persistence of these routes reflects the strategic importance of Russia as an air travel market, particularly for airlines from the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe, which have maintained or even expanded their presence in the region.
Key International Airlines Operating in Russia
Among the most active airlines serving Russia are:
- Emirates: The Dubai-based carrier operates multiple daily flights to Moscow Domodedovo and up to twice daily to St. Petersburg.
- Etihad Airways: The Abu Dhabi-based airline maintains flights to Moscow and other Russian cities via its UAE hub.
- Qatar Airways: Continues to connect Doha with Moscow, offering Russian travelers access to a vast global network.
- Turkish Airlines & Pegasus Airlines: Istanbul remains the most popular international destination from Moscow, with over 133,000 seats scheduled on such flights this month. Turkish Airlines operates six daily flights between Moscow and Istanbul using Airbus A330s, while Pegasus Airlines serves the route with frequent budget-friendly options.
- Chinese Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Sichuan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, and Chengdu Airlines continue to offer multiple flights between Russia and major cities in China, reflecting the strengthening of economic and political ties between the two countries.
- El Al (Israel): The Israeli national carrier remains one of the few Western-affiliated airlines still operates flights to Russia.
Complete List of Airlines Operating Flights to Russia in 2025
In addition to these major carriers, numerous other airlines from the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the former Soviet Union continue to operate flights to Russia. These include:
Middle East & North Africa:
- Air Algerie (Algeria)
- Air Arabia & Air Arabia Abu Dhabi (UAE)
- Air Cairo, AlMasria Universal Airlines, EgyptAir, Red Sea Airlines (Egypt)
- Cham Wings, Syrian Airlines (Syria)
- Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai (UAE)
- Gulf Air (Bahrain)
- Iraqi Airways (Iraq)
- Iran Airtour Airlines, Mahan Air (Iran)
- Jordan Aviation, Royal Jordanian (Jordan)
- Nouvelair (Tunisia)
- Oman Air (Oman)
- Royal Air Maroc (Morocco)
Asia & Eurasia:
- Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Chengdu Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines (China)
- Air Koryo (North Korea)
- Aero Nomad, Avia Air Traffic (Kyrgyzstan)
- Ariana Afghan Airlines (Afghanistan)
- Panorama Airways, Qanot Sharq, SCAT, Uzbekistan Airways (Uzbekistan)
- Fly Arna, FlyOne Armenia, Shirak Avia, Armenian Airlines (Armenia)
- Azal (Azerbaijan Airlines)
- Georgian Airways (Georgia)
- Qazaq (Kazakhstan)
- Somon Air (Tajikistan)
Europe & Turkey:
- Air Serbia (Serbia)
- AnadoluJet, Corendon Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Southwind, Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
- Belavia (Belarus)
New Direct Flights Between Moscow and Myanmar in 2025
Adding to the growing list of international connections, Russia and Myanmar have finalized an agreement to launch direct flights between Moscow and Myanmar in 2025. The decision was announced following diplomatic meetings between Myanmar’s Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin in early March.
This move is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation and support tourism between the two countries. It follows the successful launch of a direct route between Mandalay and Novosibirsk in 2023, which marked Myanmar’s first scheduled connection with Russia.
Russia Seeks to Resume Flights to the United States
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested discussions with US authorities regarding the reopening of American airspace to Russian airlines and the resumption of direct flights to Russia from the United States.
A statement issued on February 28, 2025, confirmed that Russian and US officials held discussions in Istanbul on February 27, where the proposal was put forward.
Istanbul and Dubai Remain Russia’s Top International Destinations
Among the busiest international routes from Russia, Istanbul, and Dubai stand out as the top choices for travelers:
- Istanbul (Turkey): More than 133,000 seats are scheduled for flights between Moscow and Istanbul this month.
- Dubai (UAE): Over 100,000 seats are available on flights between Moscow and Dubai, as both Emirates and FlyDubai continue to operate frequent services.
Despite airspace restrictions imposed by Western nations, international air connectivity to Russia remains strong. Airlines from the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe continue to provide essential travel links for passengers, reinforcing Russia’s strategic partnerships with countries outside the Western bloc.
With new flight agreements with Myanmar, efforts to reopen airspace to the US, and sustained demand for routes to Turkey, the UAE, and China, Russia’s international aviation market is expected to remain resilient throughout 2025.
