AZUR air resumes direct flights from Moscow to Phu Quoc Island

Return of the Moscow – Phu Quoc direct link

Starting on 6 November, AZUR air plans to reopen a nonstop connection between Moscow and the popular Vietnamese resort of Phu Quoc. The airline says that within a 12‑day window it will run three flights, each using a wide‑body Boeing 767 that holds more than three hundred economy seats.

What does the schedule look like?

• Start date – 6 November.
• Frequency – three flights spread over 12 days.
• Aircraft – Boeing 767, economy class, 336 seats.

It is the first nonstop Moscow – Phu Quoc service in five years, and the inaugural flight already took off fully booked, a sign that Russian demand remains solid.

What had AZUR air offered before?

In September the carrier announced five winter routes from Moscow:

• Phuket – seven flights in 12 days, starting 4 November.
• Pattaya – a single flight, beginning 2 November.
• Nha Trang – three flights, also within a 12‑day window.
• Hambantota (Sri Lanka) – three flights, kicking off 3 November.
• Male – a separate route, details not disclosed.

Phu Quoc became the sixth destination, widening AZUR air’s winter map.

How did the airline operate last winter?

During the previous winter season the carrier served tourists from eight Russian cities: Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Kazan, Krasnoyarsk, Novokuznetsk, Novosibirsk and Samara. That shows a fairly broad departure network, although no regional flights have been announced for the current season yet.

Cuts and restrictions

In early October regional flights to Nha Trang vanished from tour operators’ booking systems. Operators said the services, planned from seven Russian cities, failed to attract enough passengers. In March, Rosaviatsiya shortened AZUR air’s operating certificate after an unscheduled inspection by Rostransnadzor, prompted by frequent delays and a few engine‑failure incidents earlier in the year.

As a result the airline trimmed roughly twenty percent of its Thailand and Vietnam flights and is now operating with a limited certificate. This situation may affect the availability of regional services this season.

What does this mean for travelers?

• Moscow – Phu Quoc tickets: prices have not been published yet, so keep an eye on tour operators and ask partners for updates.
• Regional flights: no official word on new departures from other Russian cities to Phu Quoc. Those flying from the provinces should check with agencies whether a Moscow connection can be combined.
• Airline reliability: the limited certificate and recent cuts could impact schedule flexibility, but the direct Moscow flight is confirmed and on the books.

How to get ready for the trip?

1. Follow the news – schedule tweaks may happen because of the certificate limits.
2. Watch seat availability – the first flight sold out, indicating strong demand; open seats can disappear fast.
3. Clarify booking terms – some operators may bundle hotels, but details are still pending.
4. Prepare documents – a Vietnamese visa is required, along with up‑to‑date health entry requirements.

Outlook

AZUR air has already shown willingness to broaden its winter offer by adding Phu Quoc to the existing list. Yet the current certificate constraints and the cutbacks on regional routes could slow further network growth. In the coming weeks the airline is expected to fine‑tune its regional departure plans and possibly add extra flights under the limited certificate.

Bottom line

The revival of a nonstop Moscow – Phu Quoc link is a positive sign for anyone hunting winter beach sun without transfers. Three flights over two weeks give enough flexibility to pick dates, and the Boeing 767 provides ample capacity. Still, keep the airline’s present restrictions in mind and stay on top of updates from tour operators to avoid unpleasant surprises while planning your getaway.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.