Russian flag carrier Aeroflot has returned to India, resuming flights between the capital cities of both nations. The flight resumption comes two months after the airline suspended international flights in the immediate aftermath of the conflict in Ukraine. At the moment, it is the only airline directly connecting the two countries, with Air India flights to Russia still suspended.

Back in Delhi

Aeroflot resumed direct flights between Moscow and New Delhi from May 5th. This route was also affected following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as Aeroflot suspended international flights in March, and Air India also canceled flights to Russia soon after.

While Russia's bilateral agreements and business ties with many countries have been affected, India is one of the few countries maintaining a stable relationship with the European nation.

The Times of India reports that Delmos Aviation, which represents Aeroflot in India, says that the resumption of Aeroflot’s flight will boost the shipment of pharma products to Russia and Russian tourists to India, saying,

“DG shipments, temperature-sensitive drugs, machine parts were being routed through via third countries resulting in delays and price escalation causing hardship to Indian exporters.”

“The resumption of flights will boost the recovering tourist market in both countries. With lesser options available globally, India is looking forward to welcoming huge number of Russian tourists this year.”

Twice-weekly A330 service

Despite Airbus pulling out of Russia in March, Aeroflot has managed to keep its A330s in the air. The carrier will fly the widebody from Moscow to Delhi every Thursday and Sunday, while the return leg will be operated on Monday and Friday.

The airline’s A330-300 to Delhi has 293 seats across a three-class configuration. The Russian Embassy in India gave an update about the carrier’s schedule to New Delhi on Twitter.

Air India flights to Russia remain suspended

Before the war in Ukraine, Air India had direct flights to Moscow. But as the situation escalated and Russia faced sanctions from around the world, AI had to suspend flights to Moscow due to insurance coverage being removed from flights to the country.

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People familiar with the matter told The Indian Express that international insurance underwriters conveyed to AI that its flights landing in Russia would not be valid for insurance given the threat perception there on account of the war.

Air India reportedly reached out to the Government of India, seeking its intervention in the matter so that flights to Moscow could be resumed as soon as possible, but so far, nothing has come of it.

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Source: The Times of India, The Indian Express