Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia lifted flight restrictions in the Middle East

On April 20, Federal Air Transport Agency, taking into account the position of the Russian Ministry of Transport and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lifted its recommendations for Russian airlines to suspend ticket sales to and from the UAE. Restrictions on Russian airlines' flights through Iranian airspace were also lifted. It was noted that transit flights and flights to Iranian airports may be operated subject to strict adherence to all recommendations of Iranian aviation authorities.

Meanwhile, specialists from the Ministry of Transport and Federal Air Transport Agency continue to analyze the civil aviation situation in the Middle East in order to make adjustments to Russian airline flights in the region if necessary. Safety is the priority, the ministry emphasized.

«The decision to lift restrictions on flights to the UAE and through Iranian airspace is a logical step amid the gradual normalization of the situation in the Middle East. Key regional hubs are gradually restoring full-fledged operations, resuming previously suspended flights and routes. This is a fundamentally significant decision for the Russian tourism market: the Middle East has traditionally been a key transit hub for outbound tourism. The return of stable routes through the region and the operation of hubs significantly expands carriers' capabilities and makes international travel more accessible», - said Artur Muradyan, Vice President of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

Air travel to Israel is also being restored. Federal Air Transport Agency has authorized Russian airlines to operate flights to Israel during daylight hours. From April 16 to May 15, flights to Israeli airports are permitted from 7:00 AM to 1:00 am. Moscow time. The agency emphasized that carriers must make flight decisions independently, based on a risk assessment, including taking into account recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Red Wings and Azimuth Airlines are already selling tickets to Tel Aviv.
 

Photo by Natalia Klimenok