Is Turkish Airlines still flying 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).



As of March 2026, Turkish Airlines continues to maintain a robust flight schedule to Russia, serving as one of the primary international bridges for travelers between Russia and the rest of the world. While many Western airlines suspended services following global geopolitical shifts in 2022, Turkey has maintained its "open skies" policy, allowing Turkish Airlines to expand its capacity to major Russian hubs. The airline currently operates numerous daily flights from its mega-hub at Istanbul Airport to cities including Moscow (Vnukovo), Saint Petersburg, Kazan, and Sochi. In 2025 alone, Russia was the top source of international visitors to Turkey, with close to 6.9 million arrivals, a surge largely supported by Turkish Airlines' extensive network. This connectivity remains a vital component of Turkey's record-shattering tourism boom, positioning Istanbul as a critical transit point for Russian citizens traveling to Europe, North America, and Asia.

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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).

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The airlines flying from Russia to Türkiye (Turkey) are Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Pegasus Airlines and Corendon Airlines.. Thinking of booking a flight? Explore your options now.

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Do not travel to Russia due to the security environment and the impacts of the military conflict with Ukraine. Due to recent military tensions additional security restrictions, including some limitations on movement, may remain in place in some regions. Further measures may be implemented at short notice.

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Turkish Airlines offers four direct flights in average every day from Istanbul to Moscow. Flights take off from Istanbul Airport (IST) and land at Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) within nearly two hours and fifty minutes.

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All 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Switzerland, Albania, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom, have suspended services to Russia or over Russian airspace. However, the following airlines remain operating over their airspace or at their airports: Turkish Airlines. AirSERBIA.

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This suspension was extended until further notice on 24 February 2022, following the closure of Ukrainian airspace. In light of the current situation in the region, we've decided to suspend our flights to and from Russia and our flights through Russian airspace until further notice as of 26 February 2022.

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Over the past 12 years, the local government has been driving the hospitality industry to increase its key indicators every year.

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Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel. Updated to remove COVID-specific information and the kidnapping risk indicator as well as updates to security risks.

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SINGAPORE, 27 April 2023: Turkey, UAE, and Thailand are becoming more important tourist destinations for Russian travellers, while classic European destinations such as Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Greece have seen a significant decrease.

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There are no direct flights from London to Moscow. Popular non-direct routes for this connection are London Gatwick Airport - Moscow Domodedovo Airport, London Luton Airport - Moscow Domodedovo Airport and London Heathrow Airport - Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport.

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Direct flights are currently operating from Moscow and other major Russian cities to Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Thailand, India, and other destinations. European and North American airspace remains closed.

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