Russia will resume direct commercial flights to Venezuela as soon as the South American nation is fully prepared to service Russian aircraft, according to Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin. Speaking to state news agency RIA Novosti, Nikitin identified technical ground handling and aircraft maintenance capabilities as the principal condition for restoring air travel between the two partner countries.
Nikitin explained that Russian authorities and airlines remain ready to fly to Venezuela as soon as local airport infrastructure meets the required operational standards. He added that Venezuelan carriers would also be welcome to operate flights on the route once the necessary servicing conditions are established on the ground.
According to the transport minister, officials in Caracas have not yet submitted a formal request or proposal to Russia regarding the resumption of direct air links. However, Nikitin emphasized that Russia and Venezuela remain bilateral partners, and Russian aviation authorities are prepared to engage on the issue whenever Venezuelan officials express interest.
The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation is the executive body responsible for state policy in civil aviation, airport regulation, and international transport agreements. RIA Novosti is a major Russian state-owned news agency headquartered in Moscow that reports on government policy and international affairs.
Suspension of air links
Direct passenger flights between Russia and Venezuela were suspended by Russian airlines in December 2025. The decision to halt services was driven by a lack of commercial demand among travelers. Long-haul routes connecting Moscow with Latin American destinations require substantial passenger volumes and specialized wide-body aircraft capable of transoceanic transit.
Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, and has previously served as a key transatlantic destination for Russian tourists. The potential restoration of flights to Caracas comes as Moscow explores broader international air connections. In early August, reports indicated that Russia was also seeking to resume direct passenger flights with Mexico.
