Nordwind Airlines is weighing the launch of direct services linking Russia with South Africa, with Pretoria awaiting a timeline. This update came from Mzuvukile Jeff Maketuka, South Africa’s ambassador to Russia, during a recent interview. The ambassador indicated that the direct-flight question remains unresolved and that studies are ongoing. Early in 2022, Moscow and Pretoria identified Nordwind as the primary potential operator for these routes and signaled a readiness to move forward when dates and the carrier were confirmed.
Maketuka explained that discussions had reviewed Nordwind’s eligibility and an initial plan envisioned four weekly flights. The proposed services were to connect Moscow with Johannesburg and Moscow with Cape Town. He noted that negotiations on commencing flights had paused but remained valid, with a clear intention to revisit the project when circumstances allowed.
The ambassador recounted that talks about direct Russia–South Africa air links began in 2020. At that time, the Russian government anticipated Aeroflot would serve as the main carrier. Two years later, the candidate changed, and new parameters were developed to support a final decision. He added that the idea was to make travel more affordable, especially in emergencies, highlighting the current endurance of a roughly 14-hour journey routed through the Middle East. The dip in momentum was acknowledged, with a suggestion that the Russian Ministry of Transport could have more up-to-date insights into the situation.
Maketuka also referenced remarks from Oleg Ozerov, ambassador of the Russian Foreign Ministry and head of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum’s secretariat. Ozerov had, in the middle of the previous year, expressed hope for an early resumption of air services between Russia, Africa, and South Africa in particular.
In related developments, bus operator Ecolines announced an upcoming schedule change. Starting February 1, two daily direct services would run between St. Petersburg and Riga, the capital of Latvia, expanding cross-border travel options in the region.
Additionally, Rosaviatsiya has discussed conditions for resuming direct flights between the Russian Federation and the Philippines, outlining the regulatory framework and safety considerations that would enable such services in the future.