Airlines in Russia
The vast expanses of Russia are served by Russian airlines. While the major, long-established airlines dominate domestic and international routes from Moscow and St. Petersburg, many smaller and medium-sized regional airlines have established themselves “in the provinces.”
Aeroflot – Russian Airlines
The Russian airline Aeroflot has long been part of Russia’s image abroad. Like some other Soviet brands (such as the Kalashnikov submachine gun and Stolichnaya vodka), Russia’s largest airline, Aeroflot, is associated with a major state-owned corporation. Today, its full name is “Aeroflot – Russian Airlines.”
Russische Airlines
Photo: Markus Lenk
Dozens of new airlines in Russia
Over the past few decades, several dozen other large airlines have emerged in Russia, operating both domestic and international flights. Some still have a lot to improve in terms of service and aircraft fleets—but Russian airlines are catching up. It is safe to say that Russia has several major international airlines whose service is on a par with that of airlines elsewhere in the world.
Major Russian airlines
Aeroflot
GTK Rossiya
S7 Airlines
Transaero (acquired by Aeroflot in 2015)
Regional airlines
Russia also has several large regional airlines whose main focus is domestic flights. Given the long distances some of these routes cover, it can be hard to call them “regional” services. These airlines also operate regular international routes and international charter flights.
Domodedovo Airlines, Moscow
Ural Airlines, Yekaterinburg
Samara Airlines, Samara
UTair Airlines, Tyumen
KrasAir, Krasnoyarsk
Vladivostok Avia, Vladivostok
Russian low-cost airline
A new type of airline has recently entered Russia’s domestic flight market: with the low-cost carrier “SkyExpress,” Russia’s first budget airline has appeared. In Europe, similar companies now operate a large share of flights (for example, EasyJet, Germanwings and others). In Russia, this was the first company of its kind.
Plan flights with more than just price in mind
When choosing a flight, consider not only the price but also the departure airport, connections, baggage rules, fare conditions, and your backup options if plans change. Flight schedules, eligibility, entry requirements, and specific routes may change. Always rely on the latest information from the relevant aviation authorities, airports, and providers.
For long distances in Russia, coordinate your travel with the regional timetable. A late connection may require an additional overnight stay; for remote destinations, arrange transfers and supplies well in advance. Choose accommodation based on the relevant transport hub, not just the attraction you plan to visit.
Checklist before booking
Keep your documents, insurance terms, baggage details, rebooking options, contact information, transfers, and return journey together in one note. Recording a primary appointment and an alternative connection can help you respond to changes. Check flight availability, prices, and operating conditions directly with the airline before booking.
