Russian airlines seek direct PH routes as tourism demand grows

Metro Manila, Philippines – Several Russian airlines are seeking to launch direct flights to the Philippines, a development that Philippine officials hope will boost tourist arrivals and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Garlit Bailen said Russian travelers have shown growing interest in Philippine destinations such as Boracay and El Nido, prompting airlines to explore direct air links.

“Alam nila ang Boracay, alam nila ang El Nido. So interesado sila,” the envoy told Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in an interview. 

[Translation: They know Boracay, they know El Nido. So they are interested.]

Bailen said the government is awaiting action from the Civil Aeronautics Board on an application by S7 Siberian Airlines to resume flights from the Russian cities of Irkutsk, Vladivostok and Khabarovsk to Manila and Cebu.

“And this year nga, naghihintay lang tayo ng development mula sa Civil Aeronautics Board of the Philippines dahil nag-apply ang S7 Siberian Airlines to be able to fly again from Siberia, from the cities of Irkutsk, Vladivostok, and Khabarovsk, to Manila and to Cebu,” Bailen said.

The envoy noted that Russian carrier IrAero began operating charter flights last year from Irkutsk and Khabarovsk to Kalibo, Aklan, providing Russian tourists direct access to Boracay.

According to Bailen, the Philippines is working to attract more Russian visitors as part of efforts to diversify its tourism markets beyond traditional sources such as China, South Korea and the United States.

He said tourism remains a key component of the broader economic relationship between Manila and Moscow.

“So iyan ay dine-develop pa natin so that in terms of economic relationship, tourism is a very important part of the economic relationship and there is great potential, aside from the traditional exports, imports of oil, energy, and food.”

[Translation: We are continuing to develop this because tourism is a very important part of the economic relationship, and there is great potential beyond the traditional trade in oil, energy and food.]

Bailen said Russia represents an untapped tourism market for the Philippines, noting that Russian travelers frequently visit ASEAN destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

He expressed optimism that additional direct flights would encourage more Russians to visit the Philippines and experience Filipino hospitality while contributing to local tourism revenues.