Russia-China flights soar 44% in January 2026 after visa rule changes

Passenger traffic between Russia and China has surged in early 2026. Over 156,000 people flew between the two countries in January alone, marking a 44% increase compared to the same month last year. Officials attribute the rise to relaxed visa rules introduced in late 2025. The growth follows a temporary visa-free agreement signed in September 2025. By the end of that year, passenger numbers had already climbed by 38%. Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin confirmed the latest figures, noting that some routes now see increases of 20 to 40%.

The rebound brings traffic closer to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, airlines carried 2.9 million passengers between the two nations. If the current trend continues, that figure could be reached again soon. Chinese carriers like China Eastern, China Southern, and Hainan Airlines have maintained direct flights to Moscow. These routes remain popular as sanctions push more travellers to transit through Asia.

The steady rise in passenger numbers reflects stronger travel ties between Russia and China. With visa barriers removed, airlines are handling higher demand on key routes. The trend suggests a return to pre-2020 travel volumes in the near future.