Russia Organizes 24 Repatriation Flights from Middle East on March 3: Rosaviation

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According to Rosaviatsia, 24 repatriation flights from the UAE and Oman are scheduled for March 3. It is expected that around 4,500 people will be brought back to Russia within 24 hours.

On the previous day, flights arrived in Moscow from Abu Dhabi and Muscat with 484 passengers. As of 12:00 Moscow time on March 3, 520 people have already returned to the country. In addition to the capital, flights are also being operated to Kazan, Mineralnye Vody, Yekaterinburg, and Novosibirsk.

Airport Situation

According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators, the situation remains tense. Dubai airports are functioning in an unstable mode, with schedules being adjusted almost hourly.

Flydubai continues to operate repatriation flights. On March 2, tourists were sent to Moscow, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Kazan. On March 3, flights have already taken place to Yekaterinburg, Kazan, and Moscow (Vnukovo), with additional flights to the capital expected.

Flights are following detour routes through Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asian countries. Passenger distribution is carried out on a "live queue" basis, with the current status displayed directly on airport screens.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports warn that arriving at the terminal without a confirmed flight is not advisable. Access to terminals is granted only to passengers who have been contacted directly by the airline.

Russian Carriers

Aeroflot

Aeroflot is operating repatriation flights with full occupancy. Flight SU525 from Dubai departed for Moscow on a Boeing 777 with 100% seat occupancy—more than 400 passengers from cancelled flights on February 28. Another flight, SU531 from Abu Dhabi, is also planned. Some flights from Russia to the UAE are being operated without passengers to later transport tourists.

Ural Airlines

Ural Airlines is operating a Yekaterinburg-Dubai-Yekaterinburg flight with a technical stop in Navoi. The route passes through the airspace of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

S7

S7 Airlines plans to start repatriating passengers from Dubai on March 3 (Novosibirsk) and has requested additional flights to Moscow and Novosibirsk on March 3-5.

Pobeda

Pobeda intends to begin repatriation flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi starting March 3.

Carrier Restrictions and Conditions

Amid the closure of some airspace, airlines are extending special ticket exchange and refund conditions.

Gulf Air has allowed free rebooking of tickets issued before February 28, as well as full refunds for unused journeys.

Emirates has suspended regular flights until the end of March 4, operating only a limited number of repatriation and cargo flights.

Tourists in Third Countries

Difficulties persist for Russians in Southeast Asia and East Africa, where connections were previously made through Arab hubs. Alternative routes via Chinese carriers, as well as flights by Turkish Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines, are being considered. The main issue on these routes is a shortage of available seats.

Tour operators urge tourists to remain calm, stay connected, and rely solely on official airline notifications. The situation remains dynamic and depends on airport operations.