Russian tourists await launch of direct flights to Malaysia and Japan — ATOR
The Association of Tour Operators of Russia says Russian travelers are also eyeing possible direct flights to South Korea.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
Russian tourists are awaiting the launch of direct flights to Malaysia and Japan, according to Maya Lomidze, executive director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), who said demand for such routes remains strong.
Lomidze said Russian travelers are also interested in the potential launch of direct flights to South Korea, reflecting broader demand among Russian tourists for expanded access to Asian destinations amid continued restrictions on travel to many Western countries.
Direct flight connections between Russia and several Asian countries have been limited or suspended in recent years, pushing tour operators and travelers to rely on connecting flights through third countries, often adding significant time and cost to trips.
Growing demand for Asian destinations
ATOR has previously highlighted a shift in Russian outbound tourism toward Asian markets, as destinations in Europe and North America have become less accessible due to visa restrictions and reduced flight connectivity.
Lomidze did not specify a timeline for when direct flights to Malaysia, Japan or South Korea might resume or launch, noting that such decisions depend on negotiations between national aviation authorities and airlines.
The tourism association's comments underscore the continuing adjustment of Russia's travel industry to a changed landscape of international flight routes since 2022.
Sources
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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