Russia Seeks to Resume Direct Flights with the US

Russia has formally requested the resumption of direct flights between Russia and the United States, signalling a potential shift in diplomatic relations. During a bilateral meeting in Turkey, Russian officials urged their American counterparts to reconsider lifting airspace restrictions imposed since 2022.

Among the key proposals was the restoration of direct air connectivity, which has been suspended since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022.

In retaliation, Russia closed its own airspace to a wide range of Western countries, significantly impacting international flight routes.

If direct flights were to resume, potential benefits include:

However, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and US sanctions against Russia remain major hurdles in reaching an agreement.

As per the US Department of State, while dialogue continues, any changes to current travel and aviation policies will require further diplomatic negotiations.

With sanctions still in place and Western airspace restrictions remaining firm, the timeline for a possible resumption of direct US-Russia flights remains uncertain.