In 2026, most Western airlines (EU, UK, US, and Canada) continue to avoid Russian airspace due to ongoing geopolitical sanctions. However, many international carriers still operate regular flights to Russia. Aeroflot, Russia's flag carrier, maintains domestic and limited international routes. Major global hubs are connected via Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, which serve as primary transit points for those traveling from the West. Regional carriers such as Air Serbia, Uzbekistan Airways, Belavia, and Azerbaijan Airlines also provide consistent service. Additionally, Chinese airlines like Air China and China Southern have expanded their Russian networks, making Moscow and St. Petersburg accessible via Middle Eastern and Asian gateways despite the Western flight bans.