Reports: Russia rejects El Al request to launch St. Petersburg route amid aviation dispute

Russian authorities have rejected a request by Israeli airline El Al to launch direct flights to St. Petersburg as an alternative to Moscow, amid an aviation dispute between Russia and Israel, according to Israeli media reports.

El Al suspended flights to Moscow following security concerns linked to drone attacks and disruptions at airports around the Russian capital. The airline subsequently sought permission to operate a Tel Aviv-St. Petersburg route, according to Israel’s Channel 12 and Israel Hayom.

Channel 12 reported that Russia rejected the request in response to Israel’s refusal to allow Russian flag carrier Aeroflot to operate flights to Ben Gurion Airport. The report characterized Moscow’s decision as a retaliatory measure, although no official Russian statement confirming that explanation was cited.

Aeroflot is subject to sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries following Russia’s war in Ukraine. Israel has not adopted the same broad sanctions regime against Russia, but Aeroflot is currently not operating flights to Israel.

According to Channel 12, Israeli transportation and civil aviation authorities have not ruled out allowing Aeroflot to resume operations in the future.

The report cited informed sources as saying Moscow also viewed Israel as supporting international restrictions imposed on Aeroflot and Russia more broadly.

Russian private airline Red Wings, meanwhile, continues to operate flights to Israel, indicating that the current restrictions do not amount to a complete suspension of air links between the two countries.

El Al suspended its Moscow service in late June amid drone attacks and disruptions affecting airports around the Russian capital and currently has no plans to resume the route, according to the reports.

Israel Hayom said the proposed St. Petersburg service was intended to ease a shortage of direct flights between Israel and Russia resulting from the suspension of El Al’s Moscow operations.