Russia Drops Covid Rules to Permit Flights to ‘Friendly’ Countries

R

Skift Take

China, Peru, Argentina and South Africa didn’t sign up with the current wave of sanctions on Moscow over its intrusion of Ukraine. How will the rest of the world now see these countries? From a travel and tourism perspective, expect a severe reaction.

Matthew Parsons

Russia prepares to end limitations on flights to and from 52 nations after April 9, part of its plans to minimize steps taken to slow the spread of Covid-19, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday.

Russia prepares to resume flights to and from Argentina, South Africa and other “friendly countries,” Mishustin stated, meaning those that have not signed up with the latest wave of Western sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a “unique operation” to demilitarise its neighbour.

Russia enforced broad travel limitations at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, much of which stay in force, however has slowly broadened the list of countries considered safe for flight.

Other countries with which Russia will resume flights after April 9 consist of Algeria, China, Lebanon, Peru and Pakistan, Russia’s coronavirus job force said.

Mishustin also said Russia would be lifting constraints on travel throughout the land border in between Russia and China.

Russia has actually closed its airspace to airline companies from 36 countries, consisting of all 27 members of the European Union, in response to Ukraine-related sanctions targeting its aviation sector.

Punitive steps imposed by Western powers have likewise required Western firms to end renting contracts with Russian airlines for over 500 aircraft.

The sanctions also prevent Russian airlines from buying airplane parts or upkeep services from Europe or the U.S., adding to the pressure on the world’s 11th biggest air travel market from a restriction on utilizing North American and European airspace.

(Reporting by Reuters; modifying by Raissa Kasolowsky and Grant McCool)

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