Given the unpredictability of the war in Ukraine, Russian travelers are trying to remain flexible as flights adjust to the conflict.
The "loophole" to visit resorts and cities across Western Europe used by Russian travelers affected by the post-invasion air blockade in Ukraine goes by the name of Serbia.
According to a recent Bloomberg report, seats on flights between Russia and Serbia increased by about 50% in the first week of March compared to the period before the war. Flights to France, Switzerland, Italy and Cyprus - with a stopover in Belgrade - increased by two-thirds, according to ForwardKeys, an airline ticketing company that specializes in trends.
Belgrade's neutral stance towards the war is interpreted as meaning that the carrier Air Serbia is able to serve Russia, despite any bans. Thus, the Russians have an escape route to Europe, whereas otherwise they would need to fly via Turkey or the Persian Gulf.
Air Serbia has at least doubled capacity to Moscow and St. Petersburg since the war began last month, even adding a huge Airbus SE A330 aircraft previously used for flights to New York, according to a sales representative at Belgrade airport.
Popular destination for Russians is Cyprus
According to the report, 8% of Russians travelling to Belgrade have Cyprus as their final destination. The corresponding figure for January was 0.3%. The island relied on Russia for a fifth of its tourism before the coronavirus.
Russians also travel through Belgrade to Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France and Britain.
Source.gr / Bloomberg
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