More than four years after Western sanctions dramatically reshaped Russia’s aviation landscape, international air travel to the country remains possible through a smaller but still significant network of foreign airlines.

While carriers from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada continue to avoid the Russian market, airlines from the Middle East, Asia, Africa and several neighboring countries maintain regular services to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities.

The result is a very different international aviation network from the one that existed before 2022, with hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Belgrade becoming the primary gateways for travelers heading to Russia.

Around 60 foreign airlines currently operate or have confirmed scheduled services to Russia in 2026, primarily from the Middle East, Asia, Africa and neighboring countries.

Middle Eastern Airlines Dominate International Access

The Middle East has emerged as the most important region for Russia’s international air connectivity.

Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Oman Air, Gulf Air and Air Arabia continue operating flights to Russian destinations, providing connections between Russia and hundreds of destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia through their hub airports.

Iraqi Airways also maintains flights between Baghdad and Moscow, while Iranian carriers Mahan Air, ATA Airlines and Iran Airtour Airlines continue linking Iran and Russia. Jordan Aviation operates charter and scheduled services to Russian destinations, further strengthening Russia’s connectivity with the Middle East.

flynas operates Moscow–Jeddah and Moscow–Riyadh services, while Royal Jordanian is preparing to expand its presence in Russia with plans to launch direct flights between Aqaba and Moscow.

Israel’s El Al continues operating flights to Moscow.

Turkish Airlines continues to play a crucial role in connecting Russia with the rest of the world.

Alongside low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines, Southwind Airlines and subsidiary AJet, the airline operates an extensive network between Turkish cities and multiple Russian destinations.

Istanbul has become one of the busiest transfer points for passengers traveling between Russia and Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Syrian Airlines and Cham Wings Airlines maintain services between Syria and Russia, providing important links between the two countries.

These carriers have become essential for both leisure and business travelers seeking convenient onward connections beyond Russia.

Asian Airlines Maintain Important Connections

Several major Asian carriers continue serving Russia in 2026.

Chinese airlines including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines operate regular services between China and Russia, reflecting the growing economic relationship between the two countries.

Beijing Capital Airlines, Chengdu Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Tianjin Airlines also operate routes connecting major Chinese cities with Moscow and other Russian destinations. China Southern Airlines has resumed direct flights between Moscow and Wuhan, while Hainan Airlines operates services from Haikou to Moscow.

Vietnam Airlines and SriLankan Airlines also maintain routes to Russia, supporting both tourism and commercial travel demand.

Air Koryo maintains limited international services between North Korea and Russia.

These services provide Russian travelers with access to major Asian aviation hubs and onward global connections.

Regional And Neighboring Countries Continue Services

Airlines from neighboring countries remain important contributors to Russia’s international aviation network.

Air Serbia, Belavia, Azerbaijan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways and Turkmenistan Airlines all continue operating flights to Russian cities.

Armenia has emerged as one of Russia’s most important aviation partners. Armenian Airlines, Fly Arna, FlyOne Armenia, Shirak Avia and Air Dilijans all operate routes between Armenia and multiple Russian cities, supporting both tourism and strong diaspora traffic.

Kyrgyz carriers Aero Nomad Airlines and Avia Air Traffic maintain extensive services to Russia, while Tajikistan’s Somon Air continues to operate flights from Dushanbe and other cities to Moscow, St. Petersburg and regional Russian airports.

Kazakhstan also remains well connected to Russia through SCAT Airlines and Qazaq Air, while Uzbekistan’s growing aviation sector is represented by Qanot Sharq, Centrum Air and newcomer Tashkent Air alongside Uzbekistan Airways.

Belgrade, Baku, Tashkent, Yerevan and Bishkek have become increasingly important transfer points for travelers moving between Russia and destinations no longer served by direct flights.

African Airlines Expand Connectivity

Several African carriers maintain links with Russia, including EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Air Algérie.

Egypt’s position as one of Russia’s largest leisure markets is further supported by Air Cairo, AlMasria Universal Airlines and Red Sea Airlines, which operate services between Russian cities and popular Red Sea resorts. EgyptAir also maintains services to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

North African connectivity includes Tunisia’s Nouvelair, which continues serving Russia from Monastir, while Air Algérie maintains links between Algeria and the Russian market.

Ethiopian Airlines continues to provide important connections via Addis Ababa, while Royal Air Maroc links Russia with Morocco and onward destinations across Africa.

Upcoming Routes

Several airlines are also preparing to launch services to Russia or evaluating new opportunities in the market. Air Tanzania is set to begin direct flights linking Dar es Salaam, Moscow and Zanzibar in July 2026, marking the first regular air connection between Tanzania and Russia. Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flynas has announced plans for services between Riyadh, Jeddah and Moscow, while Royal Jordanian is preparing to launch direct flights between Aqaba and the Russian capital.

Elsewhere, Pakistani low-cost carrier Fly Jinnah has requested airport slots in Moscow as it explores launching flights from Islamabad.

Luxury leisure carrier Beond continues to target a winter 2026/2027 launch between Malé and Moscow, while Myanmar Airways International is studying the possibility of direct services to Russia. Thai Airways has also indicated it is considering a return to the Russian market, potentially restoring direct flights between Thailand and Russia by 2027.