Southwind Airlines will launch its new direct flight between Moscow (Zhukovsky Airport) and Istanbul on 20 November 2025.
The flights, operating twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, are an important step in developing tourism and bilateral trade between Russia and Türkiye. With a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the airline aims to meet growing demand for travel between the two countries and offer tourists and business travellers a faster, more efficient experience.
Strengthening the air link between Russia and Türkiye
The direct Moscow–Istanbul flight will significantly improve access between two countries with deep cultural and economic ties. Istanbul, one of Russian tourists’ favourite destinations, is now even more accessible, with shorter travel times. By offering a more convenient and faster option, the new route is expected to increase tourism and give more opportunities to explore Istanbul’s cultural heritage, historic monuments and luxury amenities.
Beyond tourism, the flights will make travel easier for traders and businesspeople, helping to increase trade, economic cooperation and investment opportunities. Given Istanbul’s position as an international centre of trade, finance, technology and industry, the route will play a key role in strengthening business ties between Russia and Türkiye.
Schedule and fleet: a comfortable, reliable journey
Southwind Airlines will use Boeing 737-800 aircraft on the route — modern, fuel-efficient planes offering high comfort, safety and reliability on short- and medium-haul flights. The twice-weekly schedule is designed to meet the needs of tourists, leisure travellers and business professionals. The aircraft have ergonomic seats, up-to-date entertainment systems and a spacious cabin for a pleasant, relaxed journey. The fleet’s fuel efficiency also aligns with Southwind’s commitment to environmental sustainability and supports green tourism goals.
Growing Russia–Türkiye tourism through direct flights
Tourism between Russia and Türkiye has grown remarkably in recent years, and the new Moscow–Istanbul flight will strengthen both Türkiye’s inbound and Russia’s outbound markets. Russian tourists can now travel to Istanbul more easily on direct routes, increasing tourist flows and tourism revenue for both countries. Beyond Istanbul, the route will serve as a gateway to other major Turkish destinations such as Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Antalya, giving travellers more opportunities to discover Türkiye’s rich history, natural landscapes and vibrant culture.
Boosting business travel and economic ties
Alongside tourism, the new flights will play an important role in supporting business travel. As Istanbul is a major international trade hub, direct flights will make business meetings, commercial cooperation and economic exchanges easier, giving Russian companies active in Türkiye and Turkish companies operating in Russia faster, easier access. With trade and investment between the two countries growing, the new route provides a solid platform for deeper bilateral economic cooperation.
