Russia-UAE air traffic set for record growth in 2025, new routes under consideration - Transport Minister

MOSCOW. Aug 7 (Interfax) - Air passenger traffic between Russia and the UAE is expected to reach record levels in 2025, Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said.

"Air transport levels grow every year, and we already see this year's statistics exceeding last year's by about 20%-25%, anticipating another annual record," Nikitin told journalists at the Kremlin following talks between the Russian and UAE presidents.

A total of 1.35 million passengers were transported between the countries in 2024, while nearly 750,000 were carried in 5M 2025, he said.

"Therefore, expectations are very positive. Plus, if we agree and open several more Russian airports to Emirati airlines, these statistics will only improve," Nikitin said, without naming specific Russian cities under consideration.

Russia and the UAE are also working on maritime transport, with improvements to the regulatory framework in this sector ongoing, he said. According to the Transport Ministry, the agenda includes mutual recognition of seafarers' qualifications, using seafarers' service books as identification documents, and clarifying shore leave regulations.