Flights to Russia – Routes from Türkiye, Armenia, Serbia, and Dubai, and Domestic Air Travel Across Russian Cities

Introduction

Air travel to Russia has become increasingly dynamic in recent years, connecting major global hubs with the country’s vast network of cities that stretch from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Whether arriving from Türkiye, Armenia, Serbia, or Dubai, travelers today have multiple options to reach Russia directly or through convenient connections. Inside the country, an extensive domestic flight network links more than a hundred destinations, making air travel the fastest way to explore the world’s largest nation.

Russia’s aviation system combines modern airports, efficient carriers, and expanding international routes. With airlines such as Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, FlyDubai, Air Serbia, and Azimuth operating regular flights, accessibility has never been easier. For travelers seeking cultural immersion, natural beauty, and urban discovery, these flight routes open gateways to Russia’s most fascinating cities—from Moscow and Saint Petersburg to Kazan, Sochi, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok.

This guide provides a detailed overview of international flights to Russia from Türkiye, Armenia, Serbia, and the UAE (Dubai), as well as insights into domestic air travel within Russia. It includes historical context, major airports, airlines, travel logistics, and insider tips to help make your journey across Russian skies seamless and enriching.

A Brief History of Air Travel in Russia

Aviation has played a central role in Russia’s national development for over a century. The country’s first regular passenger flights began in the early 1920s under the Soviet airline Dobrolet, which later evolved into Aeroflot—still one of the world’s oldest continuously operating carriers.

During the Soviet era, air travel was seen as a tool for unity, connecting distant republics and industrial centers across immense territories. Domestic routes expanded rapidly, linking Moscow and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) with Siberia, the Far East, and the Arctic. Propeller aircraft such as the Antonov An-24 and Ilyushin Il-18 became icons of Soviet civil aviation.

In the post-Soviet period, Russia modernized its aviation industry. New airports were built, private carriers emerged, and fleets were upgraded with Western-made aircraft. Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo airports became major international gateways, while regional airports in Sochi, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok turned into strategic domestic hubs.

Today, Russia’s air travel system continues to evolve. Aeroflot remains the national flag carrier, but numerous regional and low-cost airlines have diversified the market. The result is a reliable network that connects not only Russian cities but also neighbors such as Türkiye, Armenia, Serbia, and the UAE—countries with deep historical and economic ties to Russia.

Key Airports and International Connections

Russia’s geography requires a vast and efficient air network. Most international travelers arrive through a few major airports, each serving as a gateway to different parts of the country.

Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)
Russia’s main international hub and Aeroflot’s headquarters. It handles flights from Istanbul, Dubai, Yerevan, Belgrade, and nearly all major global capitals. Sheremetyevo’s modern terminals offer smooth transit for domestic connections.

Moscow Domodedovo (DME)
A secondary hub for international carriers like Emirates, FlyDubai, and Pegasus Airlines. It also serves as a major domestic connection point for S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines.

Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)
Known for handling flights from Türkiye (especially Pegasus and Turkish Airlines) and domestic routes to southern Russia.

Saint Petersburg Pulkovo Airport (LED)
The cultural gateway of Russia’s north, Pulkovo welcomes flights from Istanbul, Yerevan, Belgrade, and Dubai. It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Baltic region.

Other Important Regional Airports

• Kazan (KZN) – A growing hub with routes to Istanbul, Dubai, and Yerevan.
• Sochi (AER) – Popular for tourism, with connections to Türkiye and Armenia.
• Yekaterinburg (SVX) – Central Russia’s major air hub.
• Vladivostok (VVO) – Key gateway to East Asia.

These airports together form an efficient network for both international arrivals and domestic transfers, enabling seamless journeys throughout the country.

Flights from Türkiye to Russia

Air connections between Türkiye and Russia are among the strongest in the region, driven by tourism, trade, and long-standing cultural ties. Istanbul serves as the principal bridge between the two nations.

Main Routes and Airlines

• Istanbul (IST) to Moscow (SVO, DME, VKO): Daily flights operated by Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, and Pegasus Airlines. The flight time averages 3 hours 30 minutes.
• Antalya (AYT) to Moscow and Saint Petersburg: Seasonal and charter flights by Red Wings, Azur Air, and Pobeda cater to tourists traveling in both directions.
• Ankara (ESB) to Saint Petersburg and Sochi: Limited but growing connections, often operated by Turkish Airlines or Rossiya Airlines.
• Istanbul to Kazan, Samara, and Yekaterinburg: Direct routes provided by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus several times per week.

Travel Experience
Turkish Airlines offers premium service with flexible schedules, while Pegasus and Pobeda serve budget travelers. Istanbul’s new international airport makes transfers simple, and both nations allow relatively easy visa arrangements for citizens with pre-approved documents.

Insider tip: During summer, Antalya–Moscow flights can be fully booked by Russian tourists heading to the Mediterranean. Early reservations are advisable.

Flights from Armenia to Russia

Armenia and Russia maintain exceptionally close air links, reflecting strong economic and social ties. Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport operates numerous flights daily to Russian cities, many within two to four hours’ flying time.

Main Routes and Airlines

• Yerevan (EVN) to Moscow (SVO, DME, VKO): Multiple daily flights by Aeroflot, Red Wings, Ural Airlines, and Armenia Aircompany.
• Yerevan to Saint Petersburg (LED): Several weekly connections by Rossiya Airlines and Azimuth.
• Yerevan to Sochi, Krasnodar, and Mineralnye Vody: Popular routes for family visits and tourism, operated by Nordwind Airlines and IrAero.
• Gyumri to Moscow: Seasonal flights by Pobeda and Pegas Fly.

Flight Duration and Frequency
The Yerevan–Moscow route typically takes around 2 hours 40 minutes. Connections to southern Russian cities average 1.5 to 2 hours. Due to large Armenian communities living in Russia, flights are frequent and competitively priced.

Insider tip: Early morning flights from Yerevan to Moscow often have shorter queues and smoother airport procedures, making them ideal for business travelers.

Flights from Serbia to Russia

Direct air links between Belgrade and Russian cities have grown stronger, especially since 2022, when many European airlines halted service to Russia. Serbia remains one of the few European countries maintaining open flight routes to Moscow and beyond.

Main Routes and Airlines

• Belgrade (BEG) to Moscow (SVO): Daily direct flights by Air Serbia and Aeroflot, typically lasting 3 hours.
• Belgrade to Saint Petersburg (LED): Several weekly flights by Air Serbia and Rossiya Airlines.
• Belgrade to Sochi and Kazan: Operated seasonally or via connections through Moscow.

Travel Experience
Air Serbia’s service between Belgrade and Moscow is among the busiest international routes in the Balkans. The flight schedule allows same-day connections to other Russian cities via Aeroflot’s extensive network.

Insider tip: Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport is compact and efficient, allowing quick transfers for travelers combining Balkan and Russian itineraries.

Flights from Dubai and the UAE to Russia

The United Arab Emirates has become one of Russia’s key aviation partners. Dubai serves as a major hub linking the Middle East, Africa, and Asia to Russian cities.

Main Routes and Airlines

• Dubai (DXB) to Moscow (SVO, DME): Daily direct flights by Emirates and Aeroflot (about 5 hours 30 minutes).
• Dubai (DXB) to Saint Petersburg (LED): Operated by Emirates several times weekly.
• Dubai (DXB) to Kazan and Yekaterinburg: FlyDubai runs regular services, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
• Sharjah (SHJ) to Moscow and Grozny: Air Arabia offers budget-friendly connections.

Passenger Experience
Emirates provides luxury service with wide-body aircraft and strong connectivity beyond Dubai. FlyDubai offers a balance between comfort and value, often flying into smaller regional airports.

Insider tip: Travelers flying from Dubai to Russia can find convenient nighttime departures, allowing arrival in Moscow or Saint Petersburg early in the morning—a schedule that’s ideal for business trips or short stays.

Domestic Flights in Russia – Major Routes and Regional Hubs

Russia’s immense size makes domestic air travel indispensable. From Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast to Vladivostok on the Pacific, crossing the country by plane can take over nine hours. Thankfully, a robust domestic network connects all major cities.

Major Airlines

• Aeroflot: The national carrier with extensive coverage.
• S7 Airlines: Based in Novosibirsk, strong in Siberian and Far Eastern routes.
• Ural Airlines: Connects European Russia with the Urals and Siberia.
• Rossiya Airlines: Focuses on routes from Saint Petersburg and Moscow to tourist destinations.
• Red Wings, Azimuth, and Pobeda: Budget-friendly options serving regional cities.

Key Domestic Routes

• Moscow–Saint Petersburg: One of Europe’s busiest air corridors, with over 20 daily flights.
• Moscow–Sochi, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, and Vladivostok: Core east–west routes connecting business and tourism centers.
• Saint Petersburg–Kaliningrad: A frequent route connecting Russia’s Baltic exclave.
• Siberian and Far Eastern Routes: Flights from Novosibirsk to Yakutsk, Irkutsk, and Magadan are vital for regional development.

Flight Duration Examples

• Moscow to Sochi: 2h 15m
• Moscow to Vladivostok: 8h 30m
• Saint Petersburg to Murmansk: 2h
• Kazan to Novosibirsk: 3h 45m

Airports and Connectivity
Domestic airports across Russia have improved significantly. Many offer modern terminals, self-check-in kiosks, and efficient ground services. While Moscow remains the main transfer hub, regional connections are expanding rapidly, particularly in southern and Siberian regions.

Insider tip: When flying domestically, arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure—Russian airports are efficient, but security procedures can take longer in peak periods.

Practical Information – Airlines, Costs, Luggage, and Booking Tips

Airlines and Booking
International travelers can book flights to Russia via major carriers like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Aeroflot, and Air Serbia, or through aggregators such as Aviasales and Travelpayouts. Domestic flights are best booked directly on Russian airline websites or through local agencies, many of which offer English-language interfaces.

Costs and Luggage
Ticket prices fluctuate seasonally, especially between June and September. Low-cost carriers such as Pobeda and Pegasus have strict baggage limits, while Aeroflot, S7, and Emirates include more generous allowances. Always check whether luggage, seat selection, and meals are included.

Transfers and Airport Tips
Moscow’s three airports are well-connected by express trains (Aeroexpress) and metro links. In Saint Petersburg, Pulkovo Airport lies only 20 kilometers from the city center, with regular bus and taxi services. Most regional airports have limited public transport, so arranging transfers in advance is recommended.

Visa and Entry
Travelers must ensure their visas are valid for their point of entry. Airports in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan handle the majority of international arrivals with e-visa support for eligible nationalities.

Flight Reliability and Safety
Russian airlines adhere to international safety standards, and air traffic control is highly professional. Delays can occur in winter due to weather, so flexibility is useful when planning itineraries.

Insider tip: Domestic e-tickets are often issued in Cyrillic. Print or save confirmations in English before your flight to simplify check-in.

Insider Tips & Local Experiences – Flying the Russian Way

Flying in Russia is not just a mode of transport—it’s an experience in itself. The diversity of airports, aircraft types, and passengers offers a unique perspective on the country’s scale and character.

• Seating and Customs: Russians traditionally applaud landings—a lighthearted habit still observed on some flights.
• In-flight Dining: Even short domestic flights often include tea service, reflecting the national affection for warm drinks.
• Cultural Crossroads: Flights from cities like Kazan, Sochi, or Yekaterinburg bring together travelers from Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus, showcasing Russia’s cultural diversity in miniature form.
• Weather Transitions: Within a few hours, travelers can move from subzero Murmansk to subtropical Sochi—an experience unique to flying within Russia.
• Airport Atmosphere: Major terminals blend modern design with hints of Soviet-era grandeur, often decorated with murals and art reflecting local heritage.

Insider tip: When connecting through Moscow, plan at least a two-hour layover—terminals at Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo are large, and domestic gates may be distant from international arrivals.

Conclusion

Air travel remains the lifeline of Russia, uniting distant regions and linking the country to its neighbors in Türkiye, Armenia, Serbia, and the UAE. These routes serve not just as transportation corridors but as cultural bridges that connect communities with shared histories and growing partnerships.

For travelers, the expanding network of international and domestic flights means Russia is more accessible than ever. From Istanbul’s modern terminals to Yerevan’s compact airport, from Belgrade’s Balkan hub to Dubai’s global gateway, each route into Russia offers a different window into the country’s diverse identity. Once inside, domestic flights open an entire continent of experiences—from Moscow’s imperial grandeur and Saint Petersburg’s artistry to Sochi’s subtropical coast and Siberia’s boundless horizons.

Whether flying with Aeroflot’s long-haul comfort, Turkish Airlines’ reliability, or the simplicity of low-cost carriers like Pobeda and FlyDubai, the journey itself becomes part of the story. Air travel across Russia is not merely a logistical step—it’s a vital thread in understanding the country’s scale, diversity, and evolving global connections.

Summary: Russia’s air routes from Türkiye, Armenia, Serbia, and Dubai connect diverse cultures through efficient, expanding networks. Domestic flights reveal the country’s true scale, making air travel the key to exploring every corner of this vast and multifaceted land.