Why do Emirates still fly to Moscow?

Dubai-owned Emirates is one of few major airlines to continue its direct flight service to Russia as other carriers cease operations over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Still, the United Arab Emirates has been reluctant to take sides in the ongoing war, and has so far resisted sanctioning Moscow.



Emirates continues to fly to Moscow in 2026 primarily because the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has maintained a neutral diplomatic stance regarding the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe, choosing not to participate in the Western-led sanctions that closed European and North American airspace to Russian carriers. For Emirates, Moscow remains a vital commercial hub, serving as a "bridge" for travelers moving between Russia and the rest of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. By maintaining these routes, Dubai-based Emirates provides a necessary transit corridor for Russian citizens, expatriates, and international business travelers who would otherwise be cut off from global networks. Additionally, the airline has stated that its mission is to connect people and facilitate travel wherever it is safe and legally permissible to do so. While many European and U.S. airlines have suspended service, Emirates—alongside other Gulf carriers like Qatar Airways and Etihad—operates multiple daily flights to Moscow's Domodedovo Airport (DME), capitalising on the significant demand for international connectivity in a restricted market.

People Also Ask

The CEO of Emirates defends the airline's decision to continue flying to Russia amid the war, says it's 'connecting people' Emirates' CEO says it's connecting people by continuing to fly to Russia. Many major air carriers have pulled out of Russia amid sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

Most of the major Middle Eastern carriers, the big three being Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways, are still operating flights using Russian Airspace.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, Russian passport holders must obtain a Schengen visa to enter any European country in the Schengen Zone. However, there are some categories of people residing in Russia that are exempt from the visa requirement, as follows: Nationals of Schengen countries living in Russia.

MORE DETAILS

Most flights to Russia from the popular international airports in the United States like John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), Los Angeles Airport (LAX), and San Francisco Airport (SFO) are stopover flights with one or two transfers. The location of your layover can be Istanbul (IST), Frankfurt (FRA), or Paris (CDG).

MORE DETAILS

Qatar Airways operates direct flights to Moscow. You can check our timetable for flight times and frequency.

MORE DETAILS

Russians are granted an entry visa upon arrival at all entry points to the UAE for 30 days for the first time and renewable for one time only for another 30 days as per the UAE regulations, he said. The UAE extends a warm welcome to tourists and investors from diverse nations, including Russia.

MORE DETAILS

More than 55 global airlines still fly over Russia, including to and from the US: 'a crisis in the making' The US and most countries in Europe closed their airspace to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. Still, dozens of airlines — mostly in Asia and the Middle East — continue to overfly Russia.

MORE DETAILS

However, some countries' airlines are still voluntarily avoiding Russian airspace including Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Asiana and more. There are still a handful of airlines that operate services over Russian airspace including.

MORE DETAILS

15, 2022. United Airlines Holdings Inc. Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby said flying over Russia constitutes a risk that many carriers including his own won't take, while airlines from China or India enjoy a competitive advantage as they continue to traverse the airspace.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS