Russia open to direct flights with Argentina and Brazil — if their airlines ask

Russia says it is ready to consider launching direct flights with Argentina and Brazil, but only if airlines from those countries show interest. Russian carriers themselves have no plans to operate such routes, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry.

The ministry gave the same response when asked about possible direct service to Argentina. It also noted that Russia currently has direct air links with 36 countries.

Earlier, the ministry said it would consider direct flights with Mexico if Mexico made a formal request, but that issue is not being discussed at the moment.

Russia and Cuba are working to restart flights between the two countries, but a shortage of aviation fuel in Cuba is holding up the relaunch, according to Cuba’s deputy transport minister, Luis Roberto Roses Hernandez.

Separately, Syrian Airlines has announced it will resume flights from Damascus to Moscow starting August 16.