India and Russia will once again have direct connectivity with Aeroflot resuming a twice weekly Delhi-Moscow from Friday (May 6).
While Aeroflot had suspended this service exactly two months back, Air India stopped its Delhi-Moscow this March-end as the renewed insurance cover for the Maharaja’s aircraft did not cover them for flying to Russia.
Russian carriers had stopped all international routes as lessors in USA, UK and Europe recalled their planes.
Aeroflot has been barred from most global distribution systems.
From Friday, Aeroflot will fly its own 293 seater three-class configuration (business, premium economy and economy) Airbus A330 every Monday and Friday from Delhi to Moscow.
Delmos Aviation, which represents Aeroflot in India, said the absence of direct connectivity between India and Russia had resulted in delays in crucial pharma shipments.
"DG shipments, temperature-sensitive drugs, machine parts were being routed via third countries resulting in delays and price escalation causing hardship to Indian exporters," it said in a statement.
“The resumption of flights will boost the recovering tourist market in both countries.
With lesser options available globally, India is looking forward to welcoming huge number of Russian tourists this year,” it added.
Delmos Aviation director Naveen Rao said: "It (resumption of direct flights) will ease the travel of students, business and leisure travellers. Passengers will be able to book tickets from Delmos Aviation.... We can assure passengers of... complete safety.... will help streamline cargo movement. Because of (direct flight) suspension, pharma companies were sending the crucial pharma supplies via longer routes. It was a time-consuming and expensive proposition for all".
Delmos said it is open to “accepting all special commodities (as cargo), including DG shipments. We will continue to cater and provide direct service to Moscow and connections to other Russian sectors and CIS destinations.”
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