Asia flights: How to avoid Middle East airspace restrictions

While European and Gulf airlines (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) are struggling with closures and temporarily unusable airports, there is an extremely efficient 'northern corridor'. Using airlines that can fly over Russia not only avoids the current conflict zones, but also results in shorter flight times and significantly lower prices.

🌍 The map of the skies: who can fly where?

Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, Russian airspace has been closed to over 35 countries (the entire EU, the US, the UK and others). This has forced Western carriers to fly extremely long routes to Asia, increasing fuel costs by 15-20%.

However, some countries maintain 'Open Air' agreements with the Russia. These airlines fly on polar or Siberian routes, staying away from the current tensions in the Middle East.

🚫 Countries currently blocked by Russia

Europe: All 27 EU members, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland.

North America: USA and Canada.

Asia: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.

🛡️ 'Safe Route' airlines: Fast and convenient

If you're planning a trip to Asia, these are the airlines to keep an eye on. These airlines avoid Gulf hubs (currently congested or closed) and guarantee flight continuity.

Chinese airlines are currently the most competitive for those flying to destinations in Asia. Some of them fly eastward via the Caucasus, but thanks to their full access to Russian airspace, should the need arise, they can guarantee the fastest (and cheapest) connections between Europe and Asia.

Air China (China): Full access to Russian airspace; offers direct and very fast routes to Beijing and connections throughout Asia.

China Southern (China): The ideal choice for reaching Southeast Asia (Thailand, Bali, Vietnam) via Guangzhou, completely avoiding crisis areas.

China Eastern (China): Excellent connections via Shanghai; flying over Russia guarantees a net saving of several flight hours compared to European carriers.

Hainan Airlines (China): Full access and low fares for those seeking maximum savings to East Asia.

Sichuan Airlines (China): Great prices to various destinations in Asia via the hub of Chengdu in southwest China.

Turkish Airlines (Turkey): Continues to operate to 7 Russian cities and uses northern routes, which provide greater operational stability.

💡 Why should you choose these carriers now?

Most importantly, there's no risk of cancellation related to the Middle East. Since you'll be flying north, the route is geographically distant from the areas of tension between Iran and Israel.

Reduced travel times: Without having to 'circumnavigate' Russia, you'll be saving 2 to 4 hours of flight time each way to Tokyo or Bangkok.

Low fares: Thanks to lower fuel consumption and operational stability, Chinese airlines are offering extremely affordable fares to fill up their flights.

🛡️ Travelling informed is travelling safe

Choosing a northern route isn't just a matter of saving money or time. In a complex geopolitical landscape, operational stability is a true luxury. Flying with airlines that use Russian airspace means avoiding the risk of last-minute restrictions or closures that are severely impacting Middle Eastern hubs.

All these airlines operate in full compliance with the international safety standards defined by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), guaranteeing monitored and safe flight corridors.

For us at HolidayPirates, our priority is to allow you to reach your dream destination - whether that's a temple in Kyoto or a beach in Bali - with maximum peace of mind and at the best possible price.

💬 What do you think?

Would you consider heading to Asia via this northern corridor?

Are you keeping track of/changing your booked flights or would you prefer to wait and see?

Looking for some new deals on Japan, Thailand, Bali and other Asian gems?

Let us know in the comments!