Russian airlines have announced their readiness to fully resume flight operations to Middle Eastern countries. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, this development was confirmed by Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin during an interview with TASS on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026).
Minister Nikitin stated that airlines are technically and operationally prepared to expand their presence in the region. "Airlines are ready for the full-scale restoration of flights to the Middle East. Aeroflot resumed flights to Dubai on June 1, and we plan to operate two daily flights starting July 1. Our flight frequency has increased," Nikitin noted. He emphasized that while the industry is eager to expand, airlines continue to adhere to safety recommendations issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development, ensuring a cautious and phased restoration of route networks.
The Middle East remains a critical hub for international transit and tourism, though the aviation sector in the region has faced significant volatility due to geopolitical tensions. Earlier this year, airspace restrictions were temporarily imposed across several nations in the region, leading to flight suspensions. By mid-May, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency lifted all remaining restrictions on Middle Eastern routes, allowing carriers like Red Wings to resume services to Tel Aviv and normalizing travel to the United Arab Emirates. This restoration of connectivity is seen as a vital step in stabilizing regional travel logistics.
