Russia-China flights soar 44% after visa rules ease in 2026

Passenger traffic between Russia and China has surged since visa restrictions were lifted. In January 2026 alone, Russian airlines carried over 156,000 travellers on routes connecting the two countries. This marks a 44% increase compared to the same month last year.

Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin highlighted the steady rise in numbers, pointing to relaxed travel rules as the main driver of growth. The boost in air travel follows a temporary visa-free agreement introduced in September 2025. By the end of that year, passenger numbers had already climbed by 38%. Since then, monthly traffic has continued to grow by 20-40%.

Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, Russia's busiest, has played a key role in handling the increased demand. Officials now expect the total number of passengers to reach 2.9 million—matching pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.

The trend reflects broader recovery in international travel after years of Covid-19 restrictions. With easier access, more travellers are choosing flights between the two nations, pushing figures upward month by month. If current growth holds, annual passenger traffic could soon return to its 2019 peak. The removal of visa barriers has directly fuelled the rise, with airlines reporting higher demand on Russia-China routes. Further increases may follow as travel policies remain relaxed.