"Russia Likely to Resume International Flights from Next Month... South Korea Included in Priority"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Russia is considering a plan to gradually resume international passenger flights, which were completely suspended to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), starting from mid-next month. It is reported that South Korea will be included among the priority countries for resuming flights.

According to Russia's RBC on the 8th (local time), Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that they are preparing for a gradual reopening in time for the tourist season. Accordingly, the Federal Air Transport Agency and related ministries will review and report on the resumption of international passenger flights.

RBC, citing sources, reported that Russian authorities plan to first resume flights to eight countries belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a group of former Soviet republics, starting from July 15, and then resume flights to European countries, the Middle East, and Southeast Asian countries from August 1.

RBC also reported that the Federal Air Transport Agency will propose to the 'Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing,' the health, hygiene, and quarantine authority, to resume flights to European countries including Turkey, as well as China and South Korea. This means opening borders to countries where the COVID-19 situation has stabilized. The final decision will be made by the health authorities, it added.

Earlier, Russia had completely suspended regular international passenger flights from March 27 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to Worldometer, Russia ranks third in the world with a cumulative total of 476,658 confirmed COVID-19 cases. The cumulative death toll is reported to be 5,971.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.