China announced conditions of resumption of flights with Russia

The Chinese Foreign Ministry today announced the conditions for the resumption of air links with Russia.

As diplomats said, stabilization of the epidemiological situation and compliance with sanitary requirements is the main criteria. The dates of the opening of air borders are not called. At the same time, the Chinese side stressed that Russian air carriers will be able to perform one flight a week, choosing any one destination’s airport.

Also, the Foreign Ministry recalled that for urgent trips, citizens can contact embassies and consulates for a visa.

Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority of China allowed foreign airlines to resume their flight programs from June 8. Preferences will be given to carriers who flew to China before March 12, when the country was forced to close its borders. Now they will be able to fly to one of 37 cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, Changsha, Qingdao, Harbin, etc.

But there are a number of serious limitations. Firstly, the Chinese side in May announced the need for all arriving to have certificates confirming the absence of coronavirus. Secondly, the list of allowed airports does not include Sanya (Hainan Island) - this is the main destination for Russian tourists.

Thus, the dates of resumption of flights at the moment depend on the decision of the Russian authorities. Recall that the government of the Russian Federation is already discussing the plan of the Ministry of Transport to restore international air traffic from July 15. Southeast Asia is called as one of the priority areas.