Direct air service between Russia and Malaysia could begin before the end of 2025, according to Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Poteshkin. Speaking at the Federation Council, he announced that Red Wings Airlines is preparing to operate the new route following bilateral talks between the two countries.

“This year we plan to launch flights. Just yesterday, we held negotiations with Malaysia. In the next two weeks, an intergovernmental commission meeting is scheduled there, and Red Wings should begin operations shortly after,” Poteshkin said. He also noted that once flights between Moscow and Malaysia commence, additional connections from the Russian Far East could follow.

Poteshkin emphasized that the Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsia are actively working with the aviation authorities of several foreign countries to expand international routes. “We have a clear understanding of the Southeast Asian market. Dialogue continues, and we are opening new regions,” he added.

Airlines from China, Vietnam and North Korea are already expanding their networks in Russia’s Far East, particularly in Vladivostok. International traffic from the region grew by 90% in 2024, and continued to rise in 2025, with the largest increases recorded in Khabarovsk, Vladivostok and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Poteshkin noted that infrastructure at regional airports has been upgraded to support more international flights.

Earlier this year, the Russian Ministry of Transport stated that it was awaiting approval from Malaysian authorities for Red Wings to operate flights to Langkawi Island, with the launch dependent on stable tourist demand.

The initiative follows discussions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in May, during which both leaders confirmed ongoing efforts to establish direct air links between the two nations.

If realized, the route would mark a significant milestone in Russia–Malaysia relations, opening a new corridor for tourism and trade between the two countries.