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IN BRIEF
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From June 2026Russians will no longer be able to take direct flights except to a maximum of 30 countries, either a quarter less that this winter where something 43 States were still on the program. Tour operators attribute this contraction to the seasonality, to the fuel cost increase and to geopolitical factors, notably the restrictions related to the crisis in the Middle Eastwhile officially denying a direct link to the conflict in Ukraine. The itinerary is thus reduced to about thirty destinations, mainly covering Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and a few North African countries — and according to experts, only about fifteen of them remain suitable for mass tourismThis closing of the skies is all the more striking given that, at the time of theUSSRAeroflot served several dozen destinations (between 80 and 100), while, despite the contraction in supply, demand for international travel and the Schengen visas remains supported.
Summary: From June 2026, direct air links from Russia will be limited to a maximum of 30 countries, representing a reduction of one quarter compared to the previous winter where 43 States were still on the program. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) attributes these cuts to the seasonality, to the fuel cost increase and to geopolitical factors, in particular the restrictions linked to the crisis in the Middle East. Officially, these choices are not presented as linked to the conflict in Ukraine, yet the practical consequences for travelers are profound: a reduced international offering, higher prices and a forced shift towards domestic tourism.
Massive reduction in air links
The disappearance of international routes shows a clear contraction of the Russian route network: 43 destinations this winter only thirty in spring-summer 2026. According to theATOR, the combination of the fuel price increase, from the seasonality and restrictions related to the crisis in the Middle East explains the cancellation of several flights. Public authorities emphasize that these decisions are motivated by operational and security factors and not by the conflict in Ukraine, but the shrinking of Russian airspace is part of a tense geopolitical context and an intensification of air pressure in Europe, as described in recent analyses of the regional situation (Bluewin, IRIS).
The official reasons and the reality on the ground
In addition to economic problems, air traffic safety is becoming increasingly problematic. Flight disruptions are sometimes attributed to drone attacks and incidents in the Black Sea, which have affected airports and coastal infrastructure. For a perspective on recent air pressure and interceptions, see available investigations and reports (Euronews, 20 Minutes).
Destinations still accessible
L’ATOR publishes a list of countries still served by direct flights: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Vietnam, Georgia, Egypt, Israel, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Qatar, China, DPRK, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Morocco, Mongolia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Serbia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan And Ethiopia. L’Saudi Arabia could be added if Riyadh restores links that were interrupted in connection with the regional situation.
Which destinations have disappeared from the summer program?
Among the destinations removed are, in particular Algeria, Venezuela, Cuba, Malaysia, Seychelles, Philippines, Sri Lanka as well as the Kuwait And BahrainThese cancellations are presented as a consequence of tensions in the region and the Iran-Iraq War, which has prompted temporary bans on the sale of tourist packages by the Ministry of Economic Development and recommendations from Ministry of Foreign Affairs against travel to this area.
Historical comparison: worse than under the USSR
Russian tour operators emphasize the unprecedented nature of this restriction: during the Soviet era, Aeroflot served between 80 and 100 destinations — a level far exceeding that of today. Many international routes of that era, once considered domestic links, have now disappeared, leading toATOR to estimate that at most 15 countries will remain truly attractive to the mass tourism this summer.
Impact on domestic tourism and supply
Faced with a limited international choice and the ticket price increaseMany Russians are turning to domestic holidays. State media have highlighted a growth in domestic tourism of the order of 7.5 to 8.5% annually, but the authorities themselves acknowledge a decline in the number of tourist trips to the regions this year. The Ministry of Economic Development cites a decrease in summer bookings linked to the situation ofAnapa and to air traffic restrictions.
Anapa, Touapsé: resorts in crisis
The Black Sea coast has suffered: the 2024 oil spill left lasting consequences, and in early April, a new oil slick was reported. The station Tuapse It is also experiencing an ecological crisis following drone strikes targeting oil installations. These events have contributed to discouraging bookings to these destinations and to degrading the domestic beach tourism offering.
At the same time, public figures and tourism professionals are adapting their practices: some are choosing long and unusual stays within the country, or opting for less exposed refuges and retreats, as shown by recent portraits of travelers and hosts who are reinventing domestic tourism (Southeast Asia — portrait).
International demand: paradoxes and resistance
Despite limited supply, Russian demand for international travel has not collapsed. Aeroflot reported that in April the airline had achieved 7.3% more international flights than in the same month of the previous year, a sign of traffic concentration on certain routes rather than a general decline.ATOR note that traffic flows are refocusing on accessible and familiar destinations such as the Türkiye, L’Egypt, THE Vietnam and the China.
Schengen visas: stricter requirements and increased demand
The European Commission has tightened visa rules for Russian nationals, but the number of Schengen visas issued in 2025 has increased by 10.2% compared to 2024, and demand has increased by 8%The main countries issuing licenses were the France, L’Italy and theSpainFor details of the new European visa framework, see this summary of the new rules (Europe Direct Territories).
Geopolitical context and air safety
Flight scheduling and air traffic security are evolving in a context of heightened tensions. European and Russian authorities have had to contend with incursions, interceptions, and a form of “hybrid warfare” around airspace, which is weighing on the confidence of airlines and passengers. Analyses and reports document these pressures and their impact on air routes (IRIS, Euronews).
Drone attacks and traffic disruptions
Disruptions caused by drone attacks, particularly against oil installations or coastal infrastructure, have repeatedly disrupted air traffic over and around the Black Sea. These incidents have a direct impact on flight scheduling, operational safety, and consequently, the accessibility of seaside destinations popular with Russian tourists. For concrete examples and their political implications, see factual investigations and reports (20 Minutes).
Frequently Asked Questions — Air access for Russian travelers in 2026
Q: What exactly will change in the flight options available to Russian travelers from June 2026?
A: From June 2026, Russian nationals will not be able to take direct flights that towards a maximum of approximately 30 countries, which is a significant reduction compared to the previous winter season when nearly 43 states were served.
Q: Why have so many destinations disappeared from the direct flight schedule?
A: Operators attribute this contraction to several combined factors: the seasonality, there fuel cost increase, factors geopolitical and restrictions related to the crisis in the Middle EastThese factors have reduced the profitability or feasibility of certain connections.
Q: Is this reduction linked to the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine?
A: Officially, the authorities and the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) highlight technical and geopolitical reasons other than the invasion of Ukraine. However, the diplomatic situation and international sanctions remain an underlying context that weighs on the links.
Q: Which destinations remain accessible via direct flights from Russia?
A: The destinations maintained include a large number of countries in Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East — for example the Türkiye, L’Egypt, there China, there Thailand, THE United Arab Emirates, THE Kazakhstan and several Central Asian republics — as well as countries like the Serbia, THE Morocco or the MaldivesThis list remains focused on popular or politically accessible destinations.
Q: Which countries have been removed from the summer program?
A: Several countries have been removed, including destinations in North Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Among them are…Algeria, THE Venezuela, Cuba, there Malaysia, THE Seychelles, THE Philippines and the Sri Lankaas well as the Kuwait And Bahrainlargely due to deteriorating security in the Gulf and Middle East region.
Q: Is Saudi Arabia among the possible destinations?
A: L’Saudi Arabia could be reinstated on the list if it restores the links interrupted following the deterioration in security linked to the conflict in the Middle East region.
Q: How does this situation compare to the Soviet era?
A: Tour operators note that today international access by air is more restricted than during the USSR era: in the 1980s, Aeroflot served between 80 and 100 destinations — many being domestic flights in the sense of the time — whereas today the international offering is significantly reduced.
Q: What impact does this contraction have on Russian tourism?
A: The limitation of connections, the increase in ticket prices and constraints of Visa prompted some travelers to turn to the domestic tourism or to the few international destinations still accessible, such as the Türkiye and theEgypt, while other streams are now focusing on the China and the Vietnam.
Q: Doesn’t domestic tourism compensate for the loss of travel abroad?
A: Although the authorities have mentioned annual growth in internal tourism In recent years, data shows a decrease in regional tourist travel this year. Environmental and safety incidents, such as the oil spills off the coast ofAnapa and the strikes by drones against oil installations, have weighed on the attractiveness of some seaside resorts.
Q: Have national airlines reduced their international flights?
A: Despite the overall contraction in supply, Aeroflot reported an increase in international flights in April compared to the previous year, a sign that demand remains but is concentrated on restricted corridors.
Q: What about the application for Schengen visas?
A: Despite stricter allocation rules, demand and the number of visas remain high. Schengen Issued to Russian nationals have continued to increase recently, with a rise in applications and authorizations, particularly for the France, L’Italy and theSpain.
Q: Are there any official measures discouraging certain travel to the region?
A: Yes: in March, the Ministry of Economic Development banned the sale of package holidays to certain countries in the affected region, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended that citizens avoid these destinations for security reasons.
Q: Can we expect new routes to be added this summer?
A: L’ATOR does not rule out additions to the itinerary, citing possible flights to destinations such as Zanzibar or the Tunisia if operational and commercial conditions improve.