After April 9, Russia intends to lift restrictions on flights to and from 52 nations. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated on Monday that it is part of the government’s intention to reduce the COVID-19 restrictions. Russia plans to resume flights to and from Argentina, South Africa, and other “friendly countries”, Mishustin said.
The ‘friendly’ countries are those that have refused to join the latest round of Western sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Moscow describes it as a “special operation” aimed at demilitarizing its neighbor. At the commencement of the coronavirus pandemic, Russia enacted travel restrictions, many of which are still in effect. However, it has steadily enlarged the list of nations considered safe for aviation travel.
No travel restrictions on Russia China border
Algeria, China, Lebanon, Peru, and Pakistan are among the nations with which Russia will restart flights after April 9, according to Russia’s coronavirus task group. In reaction to Ukraine-related sanctions targeting its aviation sector, Russia has banned its airspace to aircraft from 36 nations. It includes all 27 members of the European Union. Mishustin further stated that Russia would remove travel restrictions over the Russian-Chinese land border.
Western nations’ punitive actions have also pushed Western companies to cancel leasing contracts with Russian airlines totaling over 500 planes. The restrictions also prevent Russian airlines from purchasing airplane components or maintenance services from Europe or the United States. It is adding to the pressures already exerted on the world’s 11th largest aviation market by a ban on flying over North American and European airspace.