Myanmar Airways Plans New Direct Route to Moscow, Enhancing Connectivity with Russia by 2027

Published on October 30, 2025

Myanmar Airways International has confirmed the commencement of direct flights from Yangon to Moscow, hence improving the connectivity between Russia and Myanmar. As per an announcement made by the Moscow City News Agency, the plans would be operational by the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. This development comes after the recent consideration of the foreign ministers from both sides for a mutual visa free travel policy, which is part of the growing friendly ties between Myanmar and Russia.

Plans for the commencement of direct flights to Moscow are still a work in progress. Thus, the Myanmar Airways Commercial Director Tanes Kumar noted that the release of the commercial plans will be in the following weeks. This comes after the recent strategy to enhance both countries in the region. This improvement comes after the regular flights between Myanmar, Russia after a 30 year gap which resumed 2 years ago.

Resumption of Flights and Expanding Connectivity

The new flight route from Yangon to Moscow will mark a significant milestone for both countries, offering direct connectivity for the first time in several decades. Prior to this, regular flights had been suspended due to various geopolitical reasons, and Myanmar Airways only resumed operations in 2024 with the Yangon – Mandalay – Novosibirsk route. These flights, however, were suspended in 2025, prompting renewed efforts to reintroduce air services, this time expanding to Moscow.

The development of direct flights to Moscow is being led by Myanmar Airways International in partnership with the Russian-Myanmar Business Council. According to Dmitry Petrovsky, the Executive Director of the Council, the aim is not only to restore the previous routes but also extend the connectivity to Moscow, enhancing bilateral ties and fostering business, tourism, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Visa-Free Agreement Paving the Way for New Travel Opportunities

The announcement comes on the heels of a significant diplomatic achievement between Russia and Myanmar. The signing of a visa-free travel agreement between the two nations has paved the way for greater movement of people between the two countries. This agreement was signed by Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia, and Than Swe, the Foreign Minister of Myanmar.

The visa-free travel arrangement is expected to bolster tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between Russia and Myanmar. It will provide easier access for Russian travelers to explore Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, while also benefiting Myanmar nationals seeking to visit Russia for business, tourism, or educational purposes. As a result, the direct flights to Moscow will not only enhance the travel experience but also facilitate the increased flow of visitors and economic opportunities between the two countries.

The Route from Novosibirsk to Myanmar and Expanding Air Travel

In addition to the planned direct flights to Moscow, Myanmar Airways has announced that it will be resuming services between Novosibirsk and Myanmar, starting from November 2, 2025. According to the schedule provided by Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk, Myanmar Airways will operate flights connecting Novosibirsk to Mandalay and Yangon. This resumption of flights will provide further opportunities for travelers from Russia to visit Myanmar, particularly to explore its cultural landmarks, temples, and historical sites.

These flights to Mandalay and Yangon are an essential part of Myanmar Airways’ broader effort to rebuild its network and provide enhanced access to both business and leisure travelers. The resumption of flights will contribute to the revitalization of tourism and economic ties, particularly between Russia and the central and eastern regions of Myanmar.

Impact of New Air Links on Tourism and Trade

The introduction of direct flights from Myanmar to Moscow and the resumption of services from Novosibirsk are expected to provide a significant boost to tourism and trade between the two countries. Moscow is a key business and cultural hub in Russia, and its direct connection with Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, will provide convenient access for tourists, business travelers, and those seeking to engage in cultural exchanges.

For Myanmar, the new route offers increased visibility as a tourism destination in Russia, where many travelers may now find it easier to visit iconic sites such as Bagan, Inle Lake, and Yangon. The direct flights could help boost Myanmar’s tourism sector, which has been steadily recovering from previous challenges.

Moreover, the addition of a direct route to Moscow is likely to increase opportunities for trade, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and energy, where Myanmar holds substantial potential. Russia, on the other hand, will benefit from enhanced access to Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage and natural resources, making it an attractive destination for Russian business ventures.

Future Outlook: Increased Air Connectivity Between Myanmar and Russia

Looking ahead, the successful implementation of direct flights to Moscow and the resumption of services to Novosibirsk point to a continued commitment to enhancing air connectivity between Myanmar and Russia. These developments are expected to play a key role in fostering closer diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between the two countries, while providing travelers with a broader range of options for exploring both nations.

The Myanmar Airways International plans align with the Russian government’s broader strategy to improve international travel connectivity, as evidenced by the visa-free agreement and the growing demand for air travel between these two dynamic regions of Asia and Eastern Europe.