Russia has officially initiated discussions on resuming direct air service with the United States, which was suspended in March 2022 at the initiative of the Biden administration. According to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, Moscow has submitted specific proposals to Washington, which are currently under review. This dialogue, conducted during the inter-consultation period, reflects Moscow’s consistent position on restoring direct flights between the two countries.
The issue of resuming direct flights between Russia and the United States has once again become a focal point in bilateral relations. Ryabkov confirmed that Russia has presented concrete proposals to the U.S. for the restoration of air links. These initiatives are being discussed in the inter-consultation period, indicating the existence of an official dialogue. Russian officials emphasize the pragmatic nature of this initiative, citing the significant increase in travel time for passengers and business delegations. Currently, the journey between Moscow and New York takes about 24 hours with layovers, whereas a direct flight previously took 9-12 hours.
The U.S. is considering Moscow’s proposals against the backdrop of a complex domestic political environment. Congress maintains a hardline stance on Russia-related issues. Even with a Republican majority, any concessions perceived as favorable to Moscow face resistance. The Trump administration has adopted a cautious approach to any steps that could weaken the sanctions regime without reciprocal concessions on strategic matters. The issue of direct air service is not viewed in isolation but as part of a broader diplomatic agenda, including the situation in Ukraine and other aspects of bilateral relations.
The economic arguments for restoring direct flights are clear. U.S. carriers such as Delta Air Lines and United Airlines previously generated significant revenue from trans-Siberian routes through Russian airspace. Russian airlines, primarily Aeroflot, are also interested in returning to the U.S. market. Direct service optimizes logistics, reduces costs, and increases the attractiveness of routes for business and leisure travel. However, these advantages are outweighed by political and security concerns, which currently take precedence.
Recent months have seen cautious signs of rapprochement. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, noted interest from American business circles in resuming flights. The Russian side has prepared and submitted specific proposals to Washington, including the possible lifting of sanctions on certain airlines. U.S. media report that discussions are pragmatic but accompanied by concerns over prematurely easing sanctions pressure.
Restoring direct air service is viewed as part of a broader diplomatic deal. Progress is possible if agreements are reached on other issues, including humanitarian exchanges, visa regimes, and certain aspects of sanctions policy. A decision could be made by late 2025 or early 2026 if mutually acceptable terms are reached. However, significant sanctions relief solely for the sake of resuming flights is unlikely.
In September 2025, the U.S. partially eased sanctions on the Belarusian carrier Belavia. In Russia, this was seen as a signal of potential gradual easing of aviation-related sanctions. This decision followed lengthy negotiations between the Trump administration and Belarusian leadership under Alexander Lukashenko. The main condition for lifting sanctions was Belavia’s commitment to use only legally sourced spare parts for aircraft maintenance and repair. In return, the U.S. secured the release of 52 political prisoners in Belarus, demonstrating the reciprocal nature of concessions.
The pragmatic approach of the U.S. administration was evident in its efforts to improve aviation safety and minimize opportunities to circumvent technical sanctions. Despite the U.S. lifting some restrictions, European Union sanctions against Belavia remain in force. Additionally, the U.S. has prohibited Belavia from operating Boeing 737 aircraft to Russian cities and certain other destinations.
This precedent can be interpreted in two ways: as an “opening window” for dialogue and potential similar steps regarding Russia—especially in terms of easing aviation and transport sanctions—or as a warning that even concessions from Moscow may not be sufficient for lifting restrictions. Progress will depend directly on Russia’s willingness to make broader political compromises.
The U.S. expects Russia to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, including partial territorial concessions, recognition of Ukrainian sovereignty, and security guarantees. Mutual compromises on these key issues will be essential for further sanctions relief and the resumption of direct flights between the U.S. and Russia on new terms.
Overall, the prospect of restoring direct air service between Russia and the United States depends directly on the dynamics of political dialogue and the willingness of both sides to compromise. Despite ongoing economic incentives for both countries, political and security considerations remain paramount. Any progress will be accompanied by difficult negotiations and closely tied to the broader context of bilateral relations.
Given the contradictory statements from the U.S. President—ranging from expressions of friendship with the Russian leader to strong calls for Ukraine to regain its 1991 borders—the resumption of direct air service in the next 5–7 years appears unlikely. Expecting real change before then would be akin to building castles in the sand.
Artem Kirillov,
AviaPress 24
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