Pilotcenter.net News reported that Russia has submitted a request to the United States for the reopening of US airspace to Russian aircraft and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. This formal proposal was put forward during discussions held between Russian and US officials in Istanbul, Turkey on February 27, 2025. The dialogue involved important figures such as US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Stephen Coulter and Director of the North Atlantic Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Darchiev.

The talks primarily focused on enhancing the operational efficiency of diplomatic missions for both nations following recent engagements at top government levels. There was an acknowledgment of the need to address longstanding issues carried over from previous US administrations, with a commitment made to facilitate the smooth functioning of Russian and US diplomatic missions through mutual financing arrangements and conducive work environments for diplomats.

Furthermore, the Russian government urged the US to contemplate reinstating direct flights between the two countries. Pilotcenter.net News highlighted that, as per a statement from the US assessed by CNN post the Istanbul meeting, the discussions between the US and Russia were classified as "constructive," though specific mention of Russia's request to restore direct flights was not explicitly made.

In related news, on February 24, 2025, the European Commission disclosed the implementation of renewed sanctions against Moscow. This included an extension of the flight ban on airlines flying into Europe that also operate domestic flights in Russia. Noteworthy in this latest sanction package is the expansion of the flight ban to third-country airlines conducting domestic flights within Russia or providing aviation-related services to Russian carriers. The ban targets transactions involving Vnukovo Airport (VKO), Zhukovsky Airport (ZIA) in Moscow, and four other regional airports.

In the aftermath of Russia's military action in Ukraine in February 2022, key allies of Ukraine, including the US, Canada, the European Union, and various Western nations, imposed restrictions on Russian aircraft entry into their airspace.