Russia reduces direct international air links by nine countries

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Over a six-month period, Russia has reduced the number of countries with direct air service by nine, according to data from Rosaviatsiya, the nation’s aviation authority.

As of Oct. 26, 2025, the country had direct scheduled services with 41 states under the winter schedule. However, according to materials published in late February by the Ministry of Transport of Russia, direct international air services are currently maintained with 33 countries only.

Most suspensions followed the escalation of the military conflict in Iran in late February, which affected several neighboring markets. Flights to Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Qatar and Kuwait were suspended.

On March 19, Rosaviatsiya extended restrictions on flights to Israel and Iran, as well as on the use of their airspace, through March 27. The previous restrictions had been in place until March 20.

Russian airlines have been advised to reroute services to Persian Gulf destinations via third countries. In early March, flights were operated via alternative routings through Türkiye and Egypt, or via Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia. In some cases, extended flight times required technical stops for refueling.

Earlier, flights to Cuba were suspended due to refueling constraints. Air services with Myanmar and Tunisia were also halted.

At the same time, Abkhazia was added to the list of destinations accessible via direct flights last year.