Russia has resumed international flights with the United Arab Emirates

After approximately four months of international isolation, on Aug. 1 some airports in Russia were able to welcome international departures to a small number of foreign destinations.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a directive to resume international air service with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the Maldives on a mutual basis, the government’s press service reported. Egypt (Cairo), three flights a week; the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), two flights a week; the Republic of Maldives (Velana airport), two flights a week," the statement said. The international flights will be available from certain airports in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don.

​Passengers will only be allowed to fly if they can produce a certificate, either in Russian or in English, showing a negative result for a coronavirus test performed less than 72 hours from departure. The same restrictions will apply to visitors landing in Russia. Those passengers who are Russian citizens returning home will need to undergo a test within the first three days after their arrival or face self-isolation.

Transport Minister Yevgeny Dietrich confirmed that more destinations will follow soon, as Russian authorities are negotiating the resumption of flights to 30 countries, including China. Flights between Moscow and Geneva might restart on Aug. 15 with passengers originating in Russia subject to a 10-day quarantine after their arrival in Switzerland