As of February 2026, there are no direct flights between Germany and Russia due to ongoing airspace closures and sanctions that began in 2022. German and EU carriers are prohibited from entering Russian airspace, and Russian airlines are banned from EU territory. However, travel is still possible via "third-country" hubs. The most common indirect routes involve flying through Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai (UAE), or Tashkent (Uzbekistan). For example, a traveler can fly from Berlin or Frankfurt to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines or Pegasus, then catch a connecting flight to Moscow or Saint Petersburg. Air Serbia also remains a popular option, offering connections through Belgrade. While technically "flyable," these journeys are significantly longer and more expensive than the pre-2022 direct flights, and travelers must ensure they have the correct visa and a passport that is valid for entry into both the transit country and the Russian Federation.