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Which Airlines Fly Over Russia?

Airlines flying over Russia in 2025/2026

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Airlines still flying over Russia

Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, numerous airlines have suspended operating over the airspace of the Russian Federation. Countries in Europe and North America have closed their airspace off to Russian aircraft and have since felt reciprocal retaliation from the Kremlin forcing reroutes around Russia.

However, some other international airlines which are still allowed to fly over Russian Federation airspace are choosing not to for safety reasons. In total, the Russian government has closed its airspace to over 35 countries/territories. Find out which airlines are still operating across Russia.

Last Updated: November 2025

A map of Russia and surrounding countries

Which countries are blocked from Russian Airspace?

Rosaviatsiya, which is the Federal Air Transport Agency for the Russian Federation, has restricted airspace access to the following countries:

  • Europe: All 27 European Union member states; United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Andorra and Greenland
  • North America: United States and Canada
  • Asia: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore
  • Oceania: Australia and New Zealand

Which countries have blocked Russia from their airspaces?

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, over 30 countries, including all EU member states, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan and others, have banned Russian-registered aircraft from their airspace.

These bans form part of wider economic sanctions and remain in effect as of 2025.

Which airlines are still flying over Russia?

Several airlines from non-sanctioning or neutral countries continue to operate flights over Russian airspace in 2025. These carriers benefit from shorter, more efficient routes between Europe, Asia, and North America, unlike their Western competitors, who face extended flight times due to airspace bans.

The table below outlines the airlines currently flying over Russian territory, along with their country of origin and operational notes:

Airline Country Notes
Air ChinaChinaFull access via China-Russia open air agreement
China Eastern AirlinesChinaOperating NY-Shanghai route over Russia
China Southern AirlinesChinaOperating Guangzhou-NY and London routes over Russia
Hainan AirlinesChinaFull access via China-Russia open air agreement
Xiamen AirlinesChinaFull access via China-Russia open air agreement
Beijing Capital AirlinesChinaFull access via China-Russia open air agreement
Sichuan AirlinesChinaFull access via China-Russia open air agreement
Air IndiaIndiaUses Russian airspace for all US/Canada flights; saves 15% fuel on London routes
EmiratesUAEOperates up to 3 daily Moscow flights; uses polar routes to US West Coast
Qatar AirwaysQatarMaintains substantial Russia operations
EtihadUAEActive Russian airspace user
FlyDubaiUAETemporarily suspended some routes after Dec 2024 crash
Turkish AirlinesTurkeyOperates to 7 Russian cities; 6 daily Istanbul-Moscow flights
Air SerbiaSerbiaServes Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Sochi
BelaviaBelarusFull access maintained
Ethiopian AirlinesEthiopiaActive Russian airspace user
EgyptAirEgyptActive Russian airspace user
Royal Air MarocMoroccoActive Russian airspace user
El AlIsraelSuspended Dec 2024-March 2025; status unclear for 2025-2026
Uzbekistan AirwaysUzbekistanActive Russian airspace user
Sri Lankan AirlinesSri LankaActive Russian airspace user

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Alternative Airlines Statement

At Alternative Airlines we are devastated by what is happening in Ukraine. We have temporarily suspended ticketing Russian airlines and accepting the Russian Ruble, to view our official statement on the matter and what we are doing as a company to help please visit our press release.

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FAQs

Is it safe to fly over Russia?

Typically, yes. As long as you are flying with one of the properly sanctioned carriers listed above and approved by Rosaviatsiya, Russia's board of aviation. Safety cannot be guaranteed if you fly over or around active conflict zones. Check your airline's route before you travel.

Can I fly from Europe into Russia?

Most European airlines have ceased operations flying into Russia, however, some carriers are continuing to service the region. You can reach Russia by flying with Turkish Airlines, AirSERBIA, Pegasus Airlines and Belavia.

Is it safe to fly over Ukraine?

No, it is not safe to fly over Ukraine due to the ongoing military conflict and the risk of civilian aircraft being targeted: 

Military conflict: Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 led to the closure of Ukraine's airspace to commercial flights. The conflict continues, with missile and drone attacks that have damaged civilian infrastructure and injured and killed civilians.

Advice: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has warned against flying over Ukraine, as well as Moldova, Russia, and Belarus. The US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy have also issued total flight bans into and over Ukraine. 

Is it safe to travel to Eastern Europe right now?

Yes. As long as you are staying out of areas of direct conflict and proceed with common sense in mind. If you are concerned about international safety in your Eastern European destination of choice then we recommend doing research into current events in the region before you book.

Do Chinese airlines still fly over Russia?

Yes. Major Chinese carriers such as Air China, China Eastern, China Southern and Hainan Airlines continue to use Russian airspace for flights to Europe and North America. They benefit from direct routes unavailable to Western competitors.

Does Emirates fly over Russia?

Yes. Emirates flies through Russian airspace, including polar routes to the US West Coast, and operates daily services to Moscow.

Does Air India fly over Russia?

Yes. Air India uses Russian airspace on all flights to the US and Canada, gaining time and fuel efficiencies without operating direct flights to Russia.

Can I fly from the US or UK to Russia?

Direct flights are not available from either the US or UK due to airspace bans and sanctions. However, you can often connect through third countries like Turkey, Serbia or the UAE, depending on restrictions.