Tajik and Russian civil aviation authorities have discussed the resumption of regular flights and organization of charter flights. 

Ikrom Subhonzoda, Director of the Civil Aviation Agency of Tajikistan and Alexander Neradko, First Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation on November 11 held consultations via video link.  

“We discussed issues related to the resumption of regular flights between Tajikistan and Russia, organization of charter flights by Tajik and Russian airlines and collaboration in the field of airworthiness of aircraft,” Subhonzoda told Asia-Plus in an interview.

According to him, the Tajik party has expressed its readiness to resume regular flights and the Standing Committee on COVID-19 Response has given the go-ahead for the resumption of regular flights.

“The Russian side is also ready but it is waiting for decision from its Operational Headquarters for the Fight against Coronavirus,” Subhonzoda said.  

He further added that the parties had informed each other of measures taken by their countries gradually exit from the regime of anti-epidemic restrictions upon restoration of air passenger traffic.  

Air traffic between Tajikistan and Russia has been suspended since March 20, 2020.  

Tajik authorities have suspended all international flights.  Tajikistan closed all its airports at midnight on March 19-20 due to the coronavirus concerns.  Only charters flights to repatriate Tajik nationals stranded in foreign countries due to the coronavirus crisis have been operated so far.

During the period from April through October, about 70,000 Tajik nationals were reportedly brought home by charter flights.         

In early August, Tajikistan resumed regular flights to Dubai.