Russia has formally requested the resumption of direct flights between Moscow and the United States, urging Washington to reopen American airspace to Russian aircraft. The appeal was made during bilateral talks held in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, as part of discussions concerning diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Friday outlining the request, emphasizing the need for progress in improving ties between the two countries. The ministry stated that the discussions were aimed at resolving long-standing diplomatic issues and inherited tensions from previous US administrations. According to the statement, Moscow believes that restoring direct air travel would be a practical step toward fostering better relations for the benefit of both nations.
Direct flights between Russia and the US were halted following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. In response to the invasion, the United States, along with Canada, the European Union, and several Western allies, banned Russian aircraft from entering their airspaces as part of sweeping sanctions against Moscow. In retaliation, Russia imposed similar restrictions on airlines from these countries, effectively severing air connectivity between Russia and the West. Many Western airlines had already suspended flights over Russian airspace due to security concerns before the restrictions were formally enacted.
The meeting in Istanbul marked a rare instance of dialogue between the two nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The Russian Foreign Ministry underscored that the discussions included various aspects of their diplomatic missions and sought to eliminate existing obstacles in US-Russia relations. The ministry did not specify whether any progress had been made regarding the flight request but highlighted that the American side was urged to consider the proposal seriously.
While Russia openly acknowledged its push for direct flights, the United States issued a separate statement following the talks, describing the discussions as “constructive.” However, Washington did not confirm whether it had received or entertained Russia’s request to restore air travel between the two countries. The lack of mention suggests that the US remains cautious about making any concessions to Russia while the war in Ukraine continues.
Before the suspension of flights, major airlines such as Aeroflot and several American carriers operated direct routes between Moscow and cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. These flights served as vital links for travelers, business professionals, and diplomatic personnel. Since the closure of airspace, passengers have had to rely on complex and time-consuming alternative routes, often transiting through neutral countries like Turkey or the United Arab Emirates.
Despite Russia’s appeal, there is little indication that the US will rush to lift airspace restrictions. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a significant barrier to any substantial diplomatic breakthroughs, and Washington has maintained a firm stance on sanctions against Moscow. Unless there is a broader shift in geopolitical conditions, the likelihood of direct flights between Russia and the US resuming in the near future appears uncertain.
