Lifting of restrictions on flights to UAE crucial to tourism market - Russian Union of Travel Industry

MOSCOW. April 20 (Interfax) - The decision to lift restrictions on flights to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and through Iran's airspace is crucial to the tourism market, as the Middle East is one of the key hubs for outbound travel, but the resumption of tourism requires decisions from the Foreign Ministry and the Economic Development Ministry on lifting their recommendations against travel to the region and restrictions on tours, the Russian Union of Travel Industry said.

"The decision to lift restrictions on flights to the UAE and via Iran's airspace is a logical step in light of the gradual normalization of the situation in the Middle East. We are watching key regional hubs gradually restore full operations, and resuming previously suspended flights and routes," Russian Union of Travel Industry board member and Space Travel CEO Artur Muradyan said.

Signals from Iran regarding the partial opening of its airspace to civil aircraft are also important, indicating that the parties to the conflict are showing their readiness to ensure the safety of transit flights, Muradyan said.

"This is a crucial decision for the Russian tourism market: the Middle East is traditionally one of the key transit hubs for outbound travel. The resumption of stable routes via the region and of the hubs' operations seriously expand air carriers' capabilities and make international travel more accessible. At the same time, it is important to await the final decisions from the relevant agencies, including the Economic Development Ministry and the Foreign Ministry of Russia, in order to be able to synchronize transport and tourism regulatory measures," he said.

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency on Monday lifted its recommendations for Russian airlines to suspend ticket sales for flights to and from the UAE and restrictions on flights via Iran's airspace.