Russia and South Africa plan to resume direct flights between the countries by July 2023

Russia and the Republic of South Africa are planning to resume direct flights between the countries, which have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in July. This was announced by the Ambassador at Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Secretariat of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Oleg Ozerov, the Russian news agency TASS reported.

South Africa is in talks with the Russian Nordwind Airlines to launch direct flights between Moscow's Sheremetyevo and South Africa's O.R. Tambo International Airport, reportedly serving international flights.

South Africa's Ambassador to Russia, Mzuvukile Maqetuka, had earlier said that Pretoria was awaiting the airline's decision. The aim is to launch four non-stop flights per week, including one weekly flight to Cape Town. Such a measure would make a significant contribution to Russian tourism, Maqetuka added.

Direct flights between Russia and South Africa have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in February 2022 Russian and South African authorities were considering the possibility of restoring direct flights between the countries.

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