Flights from Sochi to Israel set for resumption by Russian airlines
In a move driven by regional security concerns, Russian aviation authorities (Rosaviatsiya) have imposed restrictions on flights by Russian airlines over Israel and related airspaces. These restrictions, announced in June 2025, have affected flights to Tel Aviv from Russian cities such as Moscow, Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Mineralnye Vody.
The order issued by Rosaviatsiya prohibits Russian airlines from flying in the airspace of Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran, or using airports in Israel and Iran. This restriction, initially set until June 26, 2025, or until further notice, has led many airlines to suspend or cancel flights to Tel Aviv for safety reasons. Major airlines like the Lufthansa Group have halted Tel Aviv flights through July or even October.
For Russian airlines like Red Wings, these restrictions have resulted in an immediate suspension or severe limitation of flights to Tel Aviv. No direct updated flight schedules for Red Wings or other Russian carriers have been publicly released, indicating that operations to Tel Aviv during the current restriction period remain suspended.
However, a glimmer of hope emerged on July 1, 2025, when the Israeli airline El Al announced it would resume daily flights on the Tel Aviv-Moscow route from Domodedovo Airport. This move suggests a cautious reopening and partial normalisation of air traffic between Moscow and Tel Aviv under careful management.
The situation for other Russian cities such as Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Mineralnye Vody remains uncertain, with no specific announcements on the resumption of flights. Given the Rosaviatsiya order covers all Russian airports flying to Israel, it is likely that flights remain suspended or subject to strict limitations until the order is lifted or updated.
In conclusion, Russian airlines, including Red Wings, currently cannot operate normal flights to Tel Aviv from Russian cities due to Rosaviatsiya's ban on flying over Israeli and neighbouring airspace, with night-time departure prohibitions. Only El Al has announced the resumption of flights on the Moscow-Tel Aviv route starting July 1, 2025, suggesting a cautious reopening. Travelers should closely monitor airline updates and Rosaviatsiya announcements for changes.
The ban imposed by Rosaviatsiya on Russian airlines from flying in certain airspaces and using specific airports, including Israel and Iran, has disrupted finance for aviation companies in terms of revenue from travel and transportation, as many airlines have been forced to cancel or suspend flights to Tel Aviv for safety reasons. This has also impacted lifestyle and tourism, as people planning travel to Israel from cities like Moscow, Sochi, St. Petersburg, and Mineralnye Vody are affected. Despite a tentative resumption of flights between Moscow and Tel Aviv by El Al, the situation for other Russian cities remains uncertain, with flights potentially staying suspended or subject to limitations until the Rosaviatsiya order is lifted or updated.
