Turkey announces resumption of flights from Russia

Turkey has announced that Russia lifted its flight ban to the country, which was in effect since April 12. Last week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova had said that air travel between the two countries would start on June 22.

Tuesday June 22 2021 12:39 am

Duvar English

Russia has lifted its flight ban to Turkey, the Turkish civil aviation authority (SHGM) announced late on June 21.

Turkish authorities will ask for a document proving that the passenger entering the country has been vaccinated at least 14 prior to their entry or they have been infected with the COVID-19 in the last six months, the SHGM said.

If the passenger fails to present such a document, then they will be asked to show the result of their PCR test taken within the last 72 hours or an antigen test taken within the last 48 hours, the SHGM said.

Last week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said that Russia would resume flights to Turkey starting from June 22. She said that the decision was taken following a visit of Russian experts to Turkey to assess safety measures at tourist locations.

Russia initially suspended its flights to Turkey on April 12 and later extended the flight ban to June 21, in a further blow to Turkey's tourism industry.

Authorities cited rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in both countries, although observers noted that Moscow’s mid-April announcement followed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statement in support of Ukraine amid a flare-up in tensions.

Turkey is a destination for millions of Russian tourists each year.