Russia – Air Travel

What is domestic air travel in Russia like, and which routes and destinations are covered?

As the world’s largest nation by landmass, stretching across two continents and 11 time zones, Russia maintains an enormous network of domestic and international airports to handle its considerable air traffic. The sheer geographic scale of the country means that flying is far more than a convenience — on many routes, it is simply the only feasible way to travel. A flight from Moscow to Vladivostok, for instance, takes approximately nine hours; covering the same distance by the Trans-Siberian Railway requires nearly a full week.

With 169 airports spread throughout the country, domestic travel by air is widely accessible. International services operate from 44 of these airports, while intercontinental connections are available from 40. The remaining 125 airports handle domestic traffic exclusively. This constitutes a notably larger internal network than that of most European nations, and is broadly comparable in scope to the United States domestic system — though Russia has fewer of the ultra-high-frequency short-haul corridors found in America.

In 2024, domestic services carried 84.3 million passengers, surpassing official projections — though this figure still falls short of the all-time record of 87.5 million set in 2021. The main domestic hubs include Moscow (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo), St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Sochi, Irkutsk, Kazan, Krasnoyarsk, and Vladivostok. There is a growing push to develop direct inter-regional connections that bypass Moscow entirely; growth in passenger volumes through the Siberian, Urals, and Far Eastern federal districts is now outstripping comparable growth at the Moscow air hub.

Given Russia’s immense size, it is often quicker and more practical to board a plane than to travel overland by car or rail — and for destinations in Siberia, the Russian Far East, and Arctic regions, air travel is frequently the only viable option, given the absence of adequate road or rail infrastructure. The longest non-stop domestic service in Russia runs between Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky (PKC) and Moscow Vnukovo (VKO), spanning 4,227 miles and lasting just under nine hours.

Service quality on domestic routes varies considerably. High-frequency trunk routes such as Moscow–St. Petersburg and Moscow–Sochi feature modern aircraft, competitive pricing, and dependable schedules. On more remote regional routes, aircraft may be older or smaller, and services less frequent. The Russian government has committed to substantial airport infrastructure investment: as announced on December 22, 2024, at least 75 airports across the country will be modernised by 2030, with the president identifying aviation passenger transport as a national development priority.

Which carriers operate domestic routes in Russia, and are budget airlines an option?

Anyone planning to travel by air within Russia will almost certainly end up flying with one of four carriers — Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, UTair, or Ural Airlines — as these airlines collectively account for around 72% of all domestic flights. Understanding how these carriers relate to one another and how the market is structured makes navigating Russia’s aviation landscape considerably easier for expats.

Aeroflot Group is the dominant force in Russian aviation. The group consists of three airlines: Aeroflot itself, the country’s flagship carrier, which operates a broad network of domestic and international routes; Rossiya Airlines, an Aeroflot subsidiary that covers both domestic services and select international destinations, with Black Sea resorts and Siberian cities being particularly important to its revenue; and Pobeda, the group’s low-cost arm, which operates similarly to budget carriers familiar across Europe. In 2024, the Aeroflot Group was the only major player to grow its market share, rising from 44.9% to 49.5%.

S7 Airlines is Russia’s largest independent carrier. Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Novosibirsk, S7 serves more than 60 destinations within Russia and approximately 90 internationally. Its primary hubs are in Moscow and Novosibirsk, with a secondary focus on Irkutsk, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok.

Ural Airlines and UTair are the other major domestic operators. Across the entire market, 88 airlines run flights from Russia, including 14 low-cost carriers. Beyond Pobeda, budget-conscious travellers may also consider Azimuth, which concentrates on routes across southern Russia. In the 2025 summer season, the Aeroflot Group is expanding its overall route network by 8% relative to the prior year, reaching a total of 292 routes — 158 of which are domestic.

Unlike the more fragmented and deregulated aviation markets of the US or the EU, Russia’s domestic sector is increasingly centred on the state-linked Aeroflot Group. Independent carriers S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines both saw market share decline in 2024, with S7 dropping from 15% to 11.6% and Ural Airlines from 8.9% to 8.5%. This growing consolidation may restrict competition on certain routes, particularly those serving more remote regions.

How can you book domestic flights in Russia, and which platforms are available?

Securing flights in Russia calls for a different approach than in most other countries, especially for expats used to relying on internationally recognised booking tools. Popular aggregators such as Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights no longer return results for Russian destinations — these platforms have removed such routes for political or technical reasons. This does not mean the flights themselves have ceased to exist; the routes continue to operate as normal, but these search engines have simply chosen not to display them.

The most practical alternative is Aviasales. Functioning as Russia’s equivalent of Skyscanner, it covers flights to, from, and within Russia, including domestic services and international connections with both Russian and foreign carriers. Rather than selling tickets itself, Aviasales compares prices across a wide range of agencies and airlines in one place. The site supports multiple languages including English and Spanish, allows users to view prices in euros or dollars, and is straightforward to navigate.

After identifying a suitable flight on Aviasales, you will be presented with several purchasing options. Some of these will be Russian-based companies that do not process foreign-issued cards, but others do. The two most dependable options at present are Trip.com and Kupi. Trip.com is an Asia-based online travel agency that handles bookings with both Russian and foreign carriers and accepts international Visa and Mastercard payments, as well as PayPal in many cases.

Yandex, Russia’s dominant search and technology company, operates its own booking service — Yandex Travel (Яндекс Путешествия) — which is a useful secondary source for comparing fares against Aviasales. Airline websites such as aeroflot.ru, s7.ru, and pobeda.aero can also be used for booking, though completing a payment with a foreign-issued card directly on a Russian airline’s site is frequently problematic. Booking well in advance is highly recommended during peak periods — the New Year break, the May public holidays, and summer school holidays — when capacity on popular routes is snapped up quickly.

Expats who have established themselves in Russia and opened local bank accounts will find that booking through the Aeroflot app or via Aviasales using a Russian-issued card is simple and is by far the most common method among residents. Setting up a local bank account as early as possible after relocation is strongly advisable, as it simplifies the purchase of flights and a broad range of other services.

How much do domestic flights cost in Russia, and what should expats budget for?

Prices on Russia’s domestic routes fluctuate considerably based on the route, the airline, the class of travel, and how far in advance the ticket is purchased. Highly competitive trunk routes such as Moscow–St. Petersburg — served by both full-service and budget carriers at high frequency — tend to offer some of the most affordable fares per kilometre in the entire network. Longer hauls into Siberia and the Russian Far East are generally pricier, reflecting both the distances involved and, on certain routes, a lack of meaningful competition.

As a broad guide, advance purchase fares on busy short-haul routes with Pobeda (the Aeroflot Group’s low-cost carrier) can begin at just a few thousand rubles one way. Economy class tickets for longer routes between Moscow and cities such as Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, or Irkutsk typically fall in the range of approximately 5,000 to 15,000 rubles, depending on the season and seat availability (figures are indicative for 2024–2025 — fares change constantly, so always check airline websites directly for current pricing). Services to the Russian Far East — Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky — tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. The government does run subsidised fare programmes for certain remote regions and specific demographic groups (including residents of the Far East and some family categories), which can bring prices down considerably on eligible routes.

Several factors push fares higher. Peak demand periods — the holiday stretch around New Year, the early January break, the “May holidays” spanning late April through early May, and the summer school holidays — drive sharp price increases across all popular routes. Flight cancellations and delays impose additional costs on airlines, creating financial pressure that can in turn affect ticket pricing and passenger demand. Baggage charges also add to costs, most notably on Pobeda services, where the allowance depends on the carrier, the fare type, and the cabin class purchased. Always review the specific fare rules before confirming a booking, as a basic budget carrier ticket may cover only a small personal item.

Airport service charges at major facilities including Sheremetyevo rose by 10% for both domestic and international flights as of 2026, a cost that may gradually filter through to ticket prices. For the most accurate and current fare information, consult the airline websites directly: aeroflot.ru, s7.ru, and pobeda.aero, or use Aviasales to compare prices across multiple carriers simultaneously.

What are Russia’s main international airports, and which matter most for expats?

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), situated in Moscow, is both the busiest and one of the largest airports in the country. It serves as a critical junction point for domestic and international services, linking Russia to major destinations worldwide including Beijing, New York, Paris, Tokyo, and Dubai. Sheremetyevo is the principal hub for Aeroflot as well as carriers such as Nordwind Airlines, Royal Flight, and Rossiya Airlines. The airport welcomed 36.6 million passengers in 2023, growing to approximately 43.7 million in 2024 — a year-on-year increase of roughly 20%. Located around 29 km northwest of Moscow city centre, it is served by the Aeroexpress rail link, which reaches Belorussky station in the heart of the city in approximately 35 minutes.

Moscow is also served by two other major airports. Domodedovo (DME), to the southeast of the city, is another significant hub, with 70 airlines operating services to and from 189 destinations. Like Sheremetyevo, it is connected to central Moscow via Aeroexpress. Vnukovo (VKO), to the southwest, serves as the base for Pobeda and handles a substantial share of domestic and CIS traffic, also with an Aeroexpress rail connection.

Beyond Moscow, Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg is the second most significant entry point for international arrivals. Turkish Airlines operates a three-times-daily service between Istanbul and St. Petersburg using Airbus A320 family aircraft. The Aeroflot Group runs direct services from Pulkovo to 52 destinations, of which 37 are domestic.

Expats based outside Moscow and St. Petersburg will find the following airports particularly relevant: Koltsovo Airport (SVX) in Yekaterinburg (a growing hub for international connections, with its international segment expanding 35% in 2024); Novosibirsk Tolmachevo (OVB) (the home base for S7 Airlines); Krasnoyarsk Yemelyanovo (KJA) (an expanding Siberian transit hub); Vladivostok (VVO) (the primary gateway to the Russian Far East and a key point for onward connections to Asia); and Sochi (AER) (serving the south of Russia). Among the international airlines still operating to Russia are Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Air China, Turkish Airlines, and El Al.

Ground transport options between airports and city centres differ by location. Moscow’s major airports all benefit from Aeroexpress rail services, which are both efficient and reasonably priced. Both official airport taxis and Yandex Taxi — Russia’s leading ride-hailing platform — are available at all major airports. Elsewhere in the country, bus and taxi services are the standard option, with Yandex Taxi widely available across most regional cities.

What rules, restrictions, and practical considerations should expats know about at Russian airports?

Russian airports follow a number of specific procedures that diverge from what travellers may be accustomed to elsewhere. Expats will benefit from familiarising themselves with these before travelling for the first time.

Identification for domestic travel: Russian citizens use their internal Russian passport — a separate document from the international passport used for travel abroad — to identify themselves on domestic flights. Foreign nationals are generally required to present their national passport, and in most cases their Russian visa, when checking in for any domestic flight. Unlike many countries where a national ID card or driving licence suffices for internal flights, Russia requires foreign nationals to carry a full passport even on domestic routes.

Arriving from abroad — immigration and customs: Passengers arriving on international flights must first proceed through passport control, where a migration card must be completed. After clearing passport control, passengers collect any checked luggage and pass through customs — the green channel for those with nothing to declare, or the red channel for those who do. Travellers arriving by air may import goods valued at less than 10,000 euros, provided the total weight does not exceed 50 kg and the items are for personal use. It is always advisable to verify current customs thresholds with the Federal Customs Service of Russia, as rules are subject to change.

New border crossing procedures: Regulations introduced in 2024–2025 require foreign nationals and stateless persons entering Russia without a visa to complete mandatory pre-travel steps: registering in the Unified Identification and Authentication System (ESIA), submitting an electronic entry application through the Unified Portal mobile application no later than 72 hours before arrival, and uploading a photograph and scanned copy of their identity documents to the Unified Biometric System. Expats holding valid visas or those covered under specific bilateral agreements should consult the latest requirements via the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Check-in times: At the major Moscow airports, domestic travellers should allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours before their scheduled departure, as queues can be lengthy. For international departures, 2.5 to 3 hours is the sensible minimum. Passport control typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though during busy periods — particularly in summer — waiting times of an hour or more are not unusual when multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

A note for expats who have acquired Russian citizenship or residency: Russian authorities have begun issuing military draft summonses to returning citizens — particularly those who have been naturalised — at major airports. New migration control points have been established at airports in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Sochi, Kazan, Novosibirsk, and other significant cities. This is a serious matter that anyone who has taken Russian citizenship should research thoroughly before making travel plans.

How does Russia’s air connectivity shape daily expat life?

Expats based in Moscow or St. Petersburg enjoy genuinely convenient domestic air access. Both cities are well connected to virtually every significant urban centre in the country, and the corridor between Moscow and St. Petersburg is one of the most heavily served routes in Russia. During the summer schedule alone, more than 70 daily flights operate between Moscow and Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg — a level of frequency comparable to major shuttle routes in the United States, such as the New York–Washington or Los Angeles–San Francisco corridors.

For expats living in Siberia, the Urals, or the Russian Far East, air travel is not merely convenient but genuinely essential. Russia’s aviation sector is experiencing strong domestic demand, with future growth expected to centre on expanding internal connections and bringing better air access to underserved areas including Siberia. That said, certain remote regional routes operate only a few times a week, and tickets for travel to very isolated destinations can be costly and subject to inflexible change and cancellation terms. Expats assigned to such regions would be wise to plan travel well in advance and to consider how disruptions might affect both their professional responsibilities and personal arrangements.

Travel back to your home country is the area requiring the most careful planning. Sanctions imposed against Russia and its airlines by numerous countries, combined with the closure of Russian airspace to many foreign carriers, have fundamentally changed the international travel landscape since 2022. Most major airlines currently avoid Russian airspace. Both Moscow and St. Petersburg remain accessible by air via direct connections from Istanbul, Belgrade, Dubai, and a range of Asian and African hubs. In practice, however, the vast majority of intercontinental journeys now require a connection through a transit hub such as Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, or a Central Asian capital — adding both time and cost compared to what was possible before 2022. Expats should plan their budgets and schedules accordingly.

International credit cards do not function in Russia. It is strongly advisable to book and pay for as many services as possible before arriving in the country, and to bring sufficient cash in a major currency. This has direct implications for expats managing travel costs — particularly when purchasing tickets for international flights — and is a critical practical matter to resolve before relocating.

What do expats need to know about travel insurance and passenger rights when flying in Russia?

Russia does have a legal framework governing passenger rights, established under the Air Code of the Russian Federation and supplementary regulations administered by the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) and the Ministry of Transport. However, this framework differs meaningfully from the well-publicised protections that exist under systems such as the EU’s Regulation EC 261/2004 — which sets defined compensation amounts for delays, cancellations, and denied boarding — or the passenger protection rules overseen by the US Department of Transportation.

Under Russian federal law, passengers are entitled to certain provisions when flights are delayed or cancelled, including meals and refreshments after a specified waiting period, and hotel accommodation for overnight delays on long-haul routes. Both the Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsiya stress the obligation on carriers to comply fully with federal aviation regulations, including the provision of meals, beverages, and accommodation arrangements during disruptions. In practice, however, enforcing these entitlements and successfully claiming compensation can be a less straightforward process than in jurisdictions with more accessible consumer protection infrastructure. Pursuing a legal claim would typically require working through Russian consumer protection law, and the assistance of a local legal adviser may be necessary.

Widespread flight cancellations and delays are already having a measurable effect on passenger volumes for Russian airlines. Expert assessments suggest that overall passenger traffic could contract further as aircraft shortages and fleet operation restrictions persist, with temporary prohibitions and scheduling disruptions compounding the problem. In this context, disruption is a genuine and ongoing risk, and expats would be unwise to rely solely on airline compensation schemes to cover losses arising from delays or cancellations.

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for all flights, whether domestic or international. A solid policy should include cover for flight cancellation and delay, lost or damaged baggage, and — particularly important for international travel to or from Russia — emergency medical evacuation, given that healthcare access for foreigners can vary depending on visa and residency status. Before purchasing a policy, verify that it explicitly covers Russia and review any clauses related to travel advisories or sanctions that may affect the validity of a claim. Policies from insurers in your home country may contain exclusions relating to travel advisories or sanctions; reading the fine print carefully before purchase is essential. For the most current guidance on passenger rights within Russia, consult the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) official website and the Russian Ministry of Transport.

How to book a domestic flight in Russia step by step

1. Search for flights on Aviasales — Visit aviasales.ru (available in English, Spanish, and Russian). Enter your origin, destination, and travel dates. Aviasales pulls together options from Russian and international airlines as well as multiple booking agencies, allowing easy comparison in one place.
2. Compare fares and airlines — Review the available routes, carriers (Aeroflot, S7, Pobeda, Ural Airlines, UTair, and others), departure and arrival times, baggage inclusions, and refund or flexibility conditions. Pay close attention to whether the fare covers checked baggage or hand luggage only.
3. Select your preferred flight — Click through to examine the full fare terms. Take particular note of cancellation and amendment policies, which tend to be more restrictive on budget fares — especially those offered by Pobeda.
4. Choose a booking agent that accepts your payment method — Aviasales will direct you to several purchasing options. For travellers holding foreign bank cards, Trip.com and Kupi are currently the most reliable platforms accepting international Visa and Mastercard. Yandex Travel is also worth checking for additional alternatives.
5. Enter passenger details accurately — Foreign nationals should enter their passport information exactly as it appears in their travel document. Discrepancies can create difficulties at check-in or may result in a correction fee.
6. Confirm and save your booking — Store your booking reference (e-ticket) electronically and, wherever possible, keep a printed copy as a backup. Mobile boarding passes are accepted at most major airports, but having a paper copy provides added security.
7. Check in online — The majority of Russian airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure. Checking in online lets you avoid queues at the airport and choose your preferred seat in advance.
8. Arrive at the airport with your passport — Foreign nationals must produce their passport — and their visa or residence permit where applicable — at check-in for all domestic flights in Russia. Allow a minimum of 1.5 to 2 hours before domestic departures and 2.5 to 3 hours before international ones at the major Moscow airports.

Frequently asked questions: air travel in Russia for expats

Do I need my passport for domestic flights within Russia?

Yes. Foreign nationals are required to show their national passport — and in most cases their Russian visa or residence permit — when checking in for domestic flights. A driving licence or alternative form of ID is not accepted. Russian citizens travelling domestically use their internal Russian passport rather than their international travel passport.

Can I use global flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find flights to or within Russia?

No — these platforms no longer display flights to or from Russia. The recommended alternative is Aviasales, a Russia-focused aggregator available in multiple languages that covers both domestic and international routes. Yandex Travel is also a useful option for checking domestic fares.

Can I pay for Russian flights with a foreign bank card?

Completing a payment with a foreign-issued card directly through most Russian airline websites is generally not possible. The most practical workaround is to locate your preferred flight via Aviasales and then complete the purchase through Trip.com or Kupi, both of which accept international Visa and Mastercard and, in many cases, PayPal. For international routes into Russia, booking directly via a foreign airline’s own website — such as Turkish Airlines or Air Serbia — is another viable option.

Are there low-cost airlines operating domestic routes in Russia?

Yes. Pobeda, operating under the Aeroflot Group umbrella, is the primary low-cost carrier on domestic routes and offers competitive fares across many popular destinations. As with most budget airlines, checked baggage is not automatically included in the base fare and must be added at an extra cost. Azimuth is another budget-friendly option, focusing primarily on routes across southern Russia.

Which is the best airport to use when arriving in Russia as an expat?

For the majority of expats, Sheremetyevo (SVO) in Moscow is the main international point of entry, given its role as Aeroflot’s primary hub and its breadth of international connections. Those relocating to St. Petersburg will find Pulkovo (LED) the most convenient option. Both airports are connected to their respective city centres by Aeroexpress rail, which is the most efficient way to travel on arrival.

Is air travel the only realistic way to travel long distances within Russia?

For the majority of long-distance journeys — particularly those involving Siberia, the Russian Far East, or the Arctic — flying is the only practical means of travel within any reasonable timeframe. The Trans-Siberian Railway is an option on some routes but involves journeys spanning multiple days. On shorter distances, such as Moscow to Nizhny Novgorod or Moscow to Kazan, high-speed train services represent a genuinely competitive alternative to flying.

What are the baggage rules for domestic flights in Russia?

Baggage allowances vary between airlines and fare categories. Full-service carriers such as Aeroflot typically include one piece of checked baggage (generally 23 kg) in standard economy fares, along with one item of hand luggage. Basic fares on Pobeda may cover only a small personal item, with carry-on and checked baggage available as paid extras. Always review the specific terms of your fare before booking, as the rules differ substantially between carriers and fare classes.

How does the geopolitical situation affect flying in and out of Russia?

Since 2022, the overwhelming majority of Western carriers no longer operate services to Russia, and Russian airlines are barred from the airspace of many countries. International travel to and from Russia now typically requires a connection through a third-country hub such as Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Baku, Tashkent, Yerevan, or Beijing. Journey times and costs for intercontinental travel are higher than they were prior to 2022, and direct flights between Russia and most Western European countries are currently unavailable. Always consult your government’s latest travel advisory before making any travel arrangements involving Russia.

Are there subsidised flight routes for residents of remote Russian regions?

Yes. The Russian government administers federal subsidy programmes that reduce ticket prices on services to and from the Russian Far East, certain Arctic and remote areas, and other qualifying routes. Eligibility is typically tied to residency in the relevant region and may also be restricted by age group or family status. As programme terms and qualifying criteria are updated periodically, check the current conditions directly with the relevant airline or through official channels at the Ministry of Transport.