Russia plans to restart international flights with 52 ‘friendly nations’ after April 9

Russia is planning to restart international flight services to and from 52 countries post-April 9. This was stated by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in a statement.

He added that the country will be resuming flight services to and from Argentina, South Africa, and other ‘friendly countries’, which indicates those that have not joined the latest wave of Western sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a ‘special operation’ to demilitarise its neighbour.
As reported earlier, Russia imposed broad travel restrictions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, many of which are still in force. However, the country has gradually expanded the list of countries that have been deemed safe for air travel.

As per the reports, other countries with which Russia will be resuming flights after April 9 include China, Algeria, Peru, Lebanon, and Pakistan. Mishustin also added that Russia would be lifting travel restrictions across the land border between Russia and China.
Reportedly, Russia closed its airspace to airlines from 36 countries, including all those 27 members of the European Union, in response to Ukraine-related sanctions targeting its aviation sector. This also led to Western firms terminating leasing contracts with Russian airlines for more than 500 aircraft.

The sanctions that have been imposed also prevent Russian airlines from buying aircraft parts or maintenance services from the United States or Europe, further adding pressure on the world’s 11th largest aviation market from a ban on flying over North American and European airspace.