From The Economic Times · Dipanjan Roy Chaudhury · · 1m 30s
India-Russia air traffic surges 29% in 2026
Aeroflot carries record passengers between India and Russia as tourism and student flows accelerate.
In brief
Aeroflot carries record passengers between India and Russia as tourism and student flows accelerate. Direct flights between India and Russia are driving bilateral engagement through tourism, education, and business travel. Originally reported by The Economic Times.
Aeroflot traffic jumps 29 percent
Russia's largest airline carried over 185,000 passengers between India and Russia from January to August 2026, up 29% year-on-year. This marks the strongest growth in three years.
“Aeroflot, Russia's largest airline, carried more than 185,000 passengers between January and August 2026 (+29% year-on-year)”
Moscow-Delhi route leads growth
The Moscow-Delhi corridor alone carried 131,000 passengers in the first eight months of 2026, up 22% from the previous year. This route is the backbone of India-Russia air connectivity.
“131,000 passengers carried between Moscow and Delhi in the first eight months of 2026 (+22%)”
Winter season drives seasonal peaks
About 60% of passenger traffic occurs during colder months from October to February. Aeroflot operates 15 flights weekly, including winter routes from Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk to Goa.
“About 60% of passenger traffic falls in the colder months, from October to February.”
Tourism flows accelerate between nations
Tourist traffic between Russia and India grew 8% in the first half of 2026, with around 50,000 Russians visiting India and over 25,000 Indians visiting Russia. In 2025, 182,000 Indian citizens visited Russia.
“tourist flows between Russia and India grew by 8% in H1 2026, with around 50,000 Russians visiting India”
Students provide year-round traffic
India ranks among leading countries for students studying in Russia, with the figure reaching almost 40,000 after sevenfold growth over ten years. Medical and engineering programs attract most Indian students.
“Over the past 10 years, the figure has increased sevenfold, reaching almost 40,000.”
Cashless payments and e-visas boost access
Russia is improving conditions for Indian visitors through e-visas and India Friendly tourism standards. Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov identified cashless payments as key to future growth in bilateral travel.
“Manturov identified the development of cashless payments between the two countries as a key driver of future growth”
What matters most
Direct flights between India and Russia are driving bilateral engagement through tourism, education, and business travel.
