Lavrov announced the start of flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia in September.

The opening of direct flights between Russia and Saudi Arabia is scheduled for October. This was announced on July 4 by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov following talks with his counterpart from the kingdom, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

According to the minister, this will contribute to both the growth of tourism and the strengthening of business contacts. The Foreign Minister said that in 2024, the tourist flow from Saudi Arabia to Russia increased almost sixfold compared to 2023, and Russians, in turn, traveled to the kingdom 36 thousand times last year.

"I am confident that the further expansion of tourist exchanges, business contacts, and people-to—people contacts in general will be facilitated, firstly, by the opening of direct flights between Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation, scheduled for October this year, as well as an agreement to waive visa requirements," Lavrov said..

According to him, the visa-free regime agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia is already in the final stages of preparation.

Persian step: Russia and Saudi Arabia are working on launching direct flights

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Earlier that day, the Federal Air Transport Agency issued a permit for regular flights from Riyadh to Moscow by Flynas Airlines from Saudi Arabia. Vnukovo Airport will be used for flights in the Russian capital.