MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) – Russia intends to lift restrictions on flights to and from 52 countries after April 9, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. The move is part of Russia’s plan to reduce the number of steps it takes to stop COVID-19 from getting out.
Those countries that haven’t joined the latest wave of Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine are “friendly countries,” Mishustin said, referring to those that haven’t. Russia plans to resume flights to and from Argentina, South Africa, and other “friendly countries,” he said.
Russia implemented significant travel restrictions at the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, many of which remain in effect, but has steadily enlarged the list of nations considered safe for aviation travel.
According to Russia’s coronavirus task group, Algeria, China, Lebanon, Peru, and Pakistan are among the other nations with which Russia will restart flights after April 9.
Mishustin also said that Russia will ease travel restrictions along the country’s land border with China.
Russia has banned flights from 36 countries, including all of the countries in the European Union. This is in response to sanctions against Ukraine.
Western countries have also forced Western businesses to cancel more than 500 lease agreements with Russian airlines because of their actions.
Also, Russian airlines can’t buy aeroplane parts or maintenance services in Europe or the United States, which puts more strain on the world’s 11th-largest aviation market, which is already under pressure from a ban on flying through North American and European airspace.