Myanmar Airways will restart direct flights from Novosibirsk to two major cities in Myanmar – Mandalay and Yangon – beginning October 5, the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST) announced, citing Interfax.

The flight time to Mandalay will be 6 hours 30 minutes, and to Yangon 8 hours 15 minutes. Ticket prices currently start from 35,000 rubles one way to Mandalay and 40,000 rubles to Yangon. Fares include up to 30 kg of checked baggage and in-flight meals.

Arthur Muradyan, General Director of Space Travel, noted that while the resumption of flights is a positive step, the route remains logistically difficult and costly for many tourists.

“The extension of visa-free travel for Russians is an important measure, but demand will likely remain low until direct flights from Moscow are available and more promotion of the destination takes place,” Muradyan explained.

Myanmar Airways currently operates only medium-haul aircraft, making Novosibirsk a more feasible option than Moscow or Yekaterinburg. However, Muradyan stressed that Russian carriers could potentially serve the Moscow–Myanmar route if regulatory approvals are finalized.

Despite logistical challenges, Myanmar offers an affordable alternative to other Southeast Asian destinations. Quality hotels can be found for $100–200 per night, with mid-range options as low as $5–25. The country is known for its long coastline, comfortable beaches in Ngwe Saung and Ngapali, and authentic cultural experiences.

Myanmar resumed flights to Russia in September 2023 after a 30-year break. While earlier discussions mentioned a possible Moscow route launch in 2025, no such plans have been confirmed. For now, the Novosibirsk service is being positioned both as a direct link to Myanmar and as a convenient hub for connections to Southeast Asia.