The number of countries accessible by direct flights from Russia has significantly decreased for the summer 2026 season, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions, fuel challenges and regional instability.
According to analysis by the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), direct flights from Russia this summer will operate to only 31–32 countries, approximately 25% fewer than during the winter 2025–2026 schedule.
The figure is also around three times lower than the number of international destinations served by Soviet airlines during the late Soviet era.
Summer Route Network Contracts
During the winter 2025–2026 season, Russian airlines and foreign carriers operated routes to as many as 43 countries.
However, by June 2026 several destinations disappeared from schedules due to seasonal demand patterns, rising fuel costs, geopolitical tensions and restrictions linked to the Middle East crisis.
The final number of countries served this summer also depends on whether direct flights to Saudi Arabia resume.
If services are restored, direct flights from Russia will be available to countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Not All Destinations Available For Package Tourism
Industry experts note that not all destinations currently served are available for organised tourism sales.
Package tours to destinations including Israel, Iran, Qatar, the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia have reportedly been suspended since March 2026.
Meanwhile, destinations such as Afghanistan and Iraq continue to attract extremely limited tourism demand.
As a result, analysts estimate that only around 15 countries remain realistically available for large-scale outbound leisure tourism from Russia this summer.
Route Losses Linked To Fuel And Geopolitical Crisis
Several long-haul destinations have disappeared from Russian schedules entirely for summer 2026.
Flights to Cuba and Venezuela were suspended amid ongoing fuel supply issues and geopolitical pressures.
The conflict in the Middle East also disrupted routes to Bahrain and Kuwait, although some services could potentially resume later this year alongside possible Saudi Arabia restorations.
Direct flights to Algeria were removed from schedules in April, with no official explanation or timeline for a potential return.
Aeroflot also suspended flights to the Seychelles from 13 May, although the route traditionally operates seasonally and is expected to return during the autumn schedule.
Seasonal Asian Routes May Return In Winter
Flights to Sri Lanka, as well as routes from Siberia to the Philippines and Malaysia, are also affected by seasonal scheduling patterns.
Industry observers say some of these routes may return during the winter 2026–2027 season, although no guarantees have been provided.
Regional departures from Russian cities outside Moscow also continue to depend heavily on aircraft load factors and commercial demand.
New African Airline Entry Under Discussion
The Russian aviation market is also awaiting the possible arrival of Air Tanzania.
The carrier is reportedly considering launching flights from Moscow not only to Zanzibar but potentially to the Seychelles as well.
The continued reduction in international connectivity highlights the ongoing restructuring of Russia’s aviation market as airlines adapt to sanctions, geopolitical restrictions and shifting global travel patterns.
