Is it possible to fly from Europe to Russia?

In September 2023, four European airlines continue to utilize Russian airspace and offer flights to Russian destinations. These carriers and their country of origin are Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines (Turkey), Air Serbia(Serbia), and Belavia (Belarus).



In early 2026, direct flights between most European countries (EU, UK, etc.) and Russia remain suspended due to reciprocal airspace closures following the conflict in Ukraine. Western airlines like Lufthansa and Air France are banned from Russian airspace, and Russian carriers like Aeroflot are banned from European skies. However, it is entirely possible to fly with a connection through "neutral" hubs. The most common transit points in 2026 are Istanbul (Turkey), Belgrade (Serbia), Dubai (UAE), and Yerevan (Armenia). For example, Turkish Airlines and Air Serbia continue to operate frequent flights that link European capitals to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Travelers should be aware that U.S. and European credit cards do not work in Russia due to sanctions, and many Western nations maintain "Do Not Travel" advisories. While the "direct" route is gone, the air bridge remains open through these third-country hubs for those who have the necessary visas and documentation to enter.

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Russia - AVOID ALL TRAVEL
Avoid all travel to Russia due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine, including partial military mobilization, restrictions on financial transactions and increasingly limited flight options. If you are in Russia, you should leave while commercial means are still available.

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To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.

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This includes four European carriers: Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and Belarus' Belavia. FlightRadar24 cites the airlines' country's close relations with Moscow for the continued service.

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Notice regarding our operations on European, Russian routes (Last Updated August 22, 2023) Thank you for flying with Japan Airlines. Due to the situation in Russia and Ukraine, we are unable to operate flights over Russian airspace, and some flights have been cancelled or rerouted.

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Summary: Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

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US State Dept Travel Advisory The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Poland.

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Restrictions on travel to Ukraine and safety rules The State Department continues to recommend that US citizens not travel to Ukraine because of russia's war against Ukraine. However, those who wish to come should know the current entry and security rules.

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Do not travel to Belarus due to the volatile security environment caused by the Russian military presence along Belarus' border with Ukraine and military conflict. Russian forces are conducting military operations from Belarus, and this has heightened tensions in the region.

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Most of the carriers still overflying Russia, however, are based in Asia and the Middle East — many of which are household names like Qatar Airways, Air China, Etihad Airways, and Emirates. And, some of these routes are even flying to and from the US.

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Asian. Asian nations haven't applied as rigorous air sanctions as Europe and North America. However, some countries' airlines are still voluntarily avoiding Russian airspace including Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Asiana and more.

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In 2017, the United States banned its passport holders from traveling to North Korea and has renewed this ban through at least 2024. In a government memo issued at the time, the US urged potential travelers to consider that money from tourism in North Korea goes to the Kim regime and its practices.

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Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high. Given the serious risks, U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan to accompany eligible family members for relocation.

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