Traveling the length and breadth of Russia is advantageous for both tourists and the airlines flying domestically within the country. Traveling south to sip vodka in Moscow or heading North to Murmansk for the Northern lights, are but a few fetches, and airlines have ease of access with comfortable seating on the aircraft. The evolution of Russia airlines is simplified in to a modern and old school charter through this guide to Russia’s airline system
Aeroflot Major Player in Russia
Aeroflot has been in operation since it’s inception and is the oldest and most reputable airline in Russia. It is also the most well known for both receiving and departing tourists in the country.
Founded in 1923, it has been the leading airline in the country and a national operator. It is well known for maintaining a good reputation through the years for providing comfort and dependability.
Aeroflot is among airlines with the top 130 destinations. It is an excellent choice for intercontinental travel for tourists based in Europe and Asia.
Based on my experiences, flying with Aeroflot in Russia is a blend of old world class and modern comforts. The large and comfortable aircraft, in addition to the well trained staff, are the marking of a good airline.
For long haul flights, Aeroflot usually serves a good meal, which may include a borscht, as well as movies to watch and music to listen to. They are very punctual, which is a big plus when you’re travelling
S7 Airlines
Another well known brand in Russia’s aviation industry is S7 Airlines, formerly Sibir Airlines. I frequently suggest this airline to friends who are traveling within Russia because it is renowned for being a reliable option for both domestic and international flights. The fleet of S7 is up to date, and their service is effective without being extravagant. They are renowned for being dependable and providing excellent value, particularly for tourists who wish to see more of Russia’s cities outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
S7’s user-friendly app and customer-focused services are what I appreciate about them. Flights to locations like Vladivostok or Sochi are easily booked, and the aircraft are comfortable. The crew is always welcoming, and the in-flight meals are delicious. S7 is an excellent choice for anyone visiting Russia.
UTair
UTair, one of Russia’s largest airlines, focuses on both domestic and international flights.
When traveling to smaller or regional cities that other airlines might not serve, it’s especially useful.
I’ve taken a few flights with UTair, and each time I’ve been satisfied with the service.
The airline provides a variety of flights from major cities like Moscow to lesser known locations throughout Russia, as well as to some foreign locations in Europe and the Middle East.
The staff at UTair is consistently professional, and their aircraft are typically newer.
Although it’s not a luxurious experience, it’s a reliable airline that gets you where you need to go without any issues.
It’s especially helpful when traveling to places like Tyumen or Surgut.
Rossiya Airlines
Although it is a member of the Aeroflot group, Rossiya Airlines is a stand alone airline that offers both domestic and international service. For shorter flights within Russia, I’ve found it to be a great option, and it’s more economical than Aeroflot. Although it isn’t as opulent as Aeroflot, it transports you to your destination in comfort and has a welcoming staff.
Rossiya is a decent option if you’re traveling to smaller cities or locations that other major airlines don’t serve. Although it’s not the most opulent, it’s reliable. Additionally, you can still take advantage of some of the benefits, such as accruing miles through Aeroflot’s frequent flyer program, because it is a part of the airline.
Ural Airlines
Ural Airlines is a regional airline that serves a number of domestic and international destinations. Ural Airlines, which is based in Yekaterinburg, is an excellent low-cost choice for short and medium-distance travel.
The majority of the airline’s aircraft are Airbus models, and the seats are reasonably comfortable, particularly for brief flights. Ural Airlines will transport you to destinations like Yekaterinburg or Kazan with ease.
I’ve taken a few domestic flights with Ural Airlines, and each time the flights are on time, the service is straightforward but pleasant. It’s reasonably priced, and if you make reservations in advance, you can frequently find fantastic discounts. It’s not fancy, but it does the job well and is ideal for a short vacation.
Red Wings Airlines
A smaller regional airline that offers both scheduled and charter flights is Red Wings Airlines. It emphasizes domestic travel, particularly to major cities and well-liked vacation destinations.
Although they don’t have the same reach as some of the larger airlines, they provide good service for short trips within Russia, and I’ve flown with them a few times. Since Red Wings frequently offers charter flights, they’re a fantastic choice for last minute reservations or group travel. The planes are comfortable for the brief flights, and the service is good.
Yakutia Airlines
Yakutia Airlines is based in the Russian Far East and offers flights to remote regions, including places like Yakutsk and Magadan. It’s not an airline for everyone, but if you’re heading to the Russian wilderness or looking to explore the icy beauty of Siberia, Yakutia Airlines is one of the best ways to get around.
The airline has a great reputation for reaching these hard-to-get-to places, and their service is dependable.If you’re an adventurer heading to the Far East, this airline is an essential part of your trip.
Whether you’re visiting Russia for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, there’s a Russian airline to suit your needs. From the luxury of Aeroflot to Connecting to the Far East options like Yakutia , the Russian aviation scene is diverse and offers something for everyone.
