Russia has proposed restoring direct flights between Moscow and the United States, raising the issue during diplomatic negotiations held in Istanbul on February 27, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry press release.
The discussions, described as “substantive and businesslike,” focused on reducing tensions between the two countries, particularly concerning diplomatic relations.
Russian officials urged their U.S. counterparts to consider lifting the ban on direct air travel, which has been in place since 2022.
While the Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted this request, the U.S. State Department’s report on the talks made no mention of direct flights, instead focusing on diplomatic staffing and operations.
Washington’s statement confirmed that both sides identified specific initial steps to stabilize diplomatic activities, particularly regarding personnel levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
Diplomatic and Airspace Restrictions
Direct air traffic between Russia and the U.S. was suspended in 2022 after Washington imposed a ban on Russian aircraft in American airspace following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Union followed suit, leading Russia to retaliate by barring 36 countries from flying over its territory without special approval.
Alongside air travel, Russia has also been pushing for the return of six diplomatic properties in the U.S., which were confiscated between 2016 and 2018 under previous American administrations. The Istanbul talks reportedly included discussions on ensuring unimpeded financial operations for diplomatic missions.
While both sides agreed to continue dialogue, Washington has not publicly indicated any willingness to resume direct flights or lift airspace restrictions.
