- The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency has canceled recommendations for Russian carriers to suspend ticket sales for flights to and from the UAE.
- Rosaviatsiya lifted restrictions on flights of Russian airlines through Iran’s airspace.
- Since the end of February 2026, restrictions have been in effect on flights to a number of countries due to the military conflict in the Middle East.
The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsiya, on Monday lifted flight restrictions in Iranian airspace, which had been imposed in response to the Middle East crisis.
The agency also authorized flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, which had also been restricted after the beginning of the US-Israel-Iran conflict.
“Rosaviatsia, taking into account the position of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has canceled the recommendations for Russian airlines to suspend ticket sales for flights to/from the UAE. Restrictions on flights of Russian airlines through the airspace of Iran have also been lifted,” the agency said in a statement.
The agency emphasized that flights to Iranian airports and transit flights through the country are now being carried out in accordance with the instructions of local aviation authorities.
“Specialists from the Ministry of Transport and Rosaviation continue to analyze the situation regarding the operation of civil aviation in the Middle East in order to make adjustments to Russian airlines’ flights in the region if necessary. Safety is a priority,” it said.
Recently, Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority had reopened the country’s airspace partially, allowing international flights to pass through the eastern region, as restrictions imposed earlier amid regional tensions begin to ease.
Reported by the Tasnim agency, Country’s Civil Aviation Authority said air routes over eastern Iran were reopened at 7 a.m. (0330 GMT) on 18 April. It said flights at the country’s airports would gradually resume but did not give a timeframe.
However, the announcement came amid latest uncertainty over the US-Iran conflict despite a two-week ceasefire that is going to end on Wednesday.
Tensions escalated again on Saturday after US forces seized an Iranian cargo ship and Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz, pushing oil prices higher and weighing on futures markets. Iran is also reviewing a US proposal.
Flight restrictions to the Middle East were imposed in late February following the US and Israeli attack on Iran. Tourists stranded in the danger zone were evacuated on special flights. On the night of April 8, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire.
