More Russian tourists expected as airlines eye direct flights to PH

The Philippines expects more Russian tourists to arrive as airlines push for direct flights to the country's beaches, according to Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Garlit Bailen.

Bailen told Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during an interview in Kazan, Russia on Wednesday that Russian travelers are especially drawn to Philippine beaches.

He revealed that chartered flights for tourists began operating last year. One of the airlines, IrAero, a Siberian carrier, flies directly from Irkutsk and Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East to Kalibo, Aklan.

Kalibo is the gateway to Boracay Island, one of the world's top beach destinations. The direct flights cut travel time significantly compared to connecting through Manila or other Asian hubs.

Bailen didn't name the other airlines seeking approval, but he said more are interested. The Philippine government has been working to boost tourism arrivals from emerging markets like Russia.

Russia is one of the top tourist markets for Southeast Asia. In 2019, before the pandemic, over 200,000 Russians visited Thailand alone. The Philippines has been lagging behind its neighbors in attracting Russian tourists, partly due to limited direct flights.

Direct flights from Russia's Far East make sense geographically. Irkutsk and Khabarovsk are closer to the Philippines than to Moscow. A flight from Irkutsk to Manila takes about 6 hours, while a flight to Moscow takes over 5 hours.

IrAero is a regional carrier based in Irkutsk. It operates a fleet of Bombardier CRJ200 and Antonov An-24 aircraft. The airline has been expanding its international network to China, Vietnam, and now the Philippines.

The Philippine Department of Tourism has set a target of 7.7 million international arrivals for 2026. More direct flights from Russia could help the country reach that goal.

Bailen's comments came after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan to discuss boosting energy and trade ties. The meeting was on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

The Philippines and Russia have been working to strengthen bilateral relations. In 2024, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on tourism cooperation.

For now, Russian tourists can visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. That policy, combined with direct flights, could make Philippine beaches more accessible to Russian travelers.

But challenges remain. The war in Ukraine has led to Western sanctions on Russia, affecting travel. Russian airlines face restrictions on flying over European airspace, but routes to Asia are largely unaffected.

Also, the Philippine peso's weakness against the US dollar makes the country more affordable for Russian tourists, who often pay in dollars or euros.

"Last year, chartered flights for tourists began operating. One of the airlines, IrAero, a Siberian carrier, flies directly from Irkutsk and Khabarovsk in Russia's Far East to Kalibo, Aklan," Bailen said.

If more airlines get approval, Russian tourists could soon have more options to fly directly to Cebu, Puerto Princesa, or other tourist hubs, not just Kalibo.