Russian Transport Ministry Prepares for Resumption of Flights to Middle East Countries

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Russian airlines have begun preparing for a phased resumption of flights to countries in the Middle East. An interdepartmental meeting was held at the Ministry of Transport (Mintrans) Situation Center on the instructions of Minister Andrey Nikitin, with representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Emergencies Ministry, Economic Development Ministry, Rosaviation, Russian Union of Travel Industry, as well as Russian and foreign carriers.

Currently, the airspace of 10 countries in the region is completely closed: Israel, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Flights to 9 of these countries have been suspended.

Over the past weekend, domestic and foreign airlines canceled 216 flights, most of which were on the Russia-UAE route. More than 10,000 ticket refunds have been processed for passengers.

Meanwhile, Russian carriers, together with Mintrans and its subordinate agency Rosaviation, have preemptively developed alternative routes to ensure safe flights to the Persian Gulf states.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the largest number of organized tourists are currently in the UAE — more than 20,000 people. In Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, there are over 500 Russian travelers in total. Transit passengers are also awaiting the resumption of air traffic.

Mintrans and Rosaviation are in constant contact with airlines. Carriers have been instructed to preemptively develop plans to increase passenger capacity and schedule additional flights once the situation stabilizes.

Special attention was given to pricing policies at the meeting. The ministry emphasized that a possible surge in demand after the reopening of routes should not lead to speculative increases in ticket prices. Airlines have been advised to act responsibly towards passengers.

Mintrans, the Foreign Ministry, and Rosaviation continue round-the-clock monitoring of the situation. Negotiations are underway with several Middle Eastern airports regarding slots, with flight safety remaining the top priority.

It is expected that on the evening of March 2, Sheremetyevo Airport will serve the first flights after a prolonged pause in air traffic — from Abu Dhabi by Etihad Airways and from Muscat by Oman Air.