New Direct Flights from Russia: How Vietnam and Zanzibar Are Getting Closer

How direct flights change the map of Russian tourism

In recent years Russia has seen a noticeable surge in interest toward far‑off exotic resorts. A key driver has been the launch of new nonstop routes, which shave hours off travel time and make trips feel more affordable. Looking at the two freshly opened lines – Moscow‑Cam Ranh (Vietnam) and Moscow‑Zanzibar (Tanzania) – you can see how such initiatives ripple through tourist flows and local economies.

Vietnam: a winter flight to Nha Trang’s sea

At the end of September 2026 the first charter VJ5074 left Sheremetyevo under the Anex Vietnam programme. Vietjet Air operates the flight on a wide‑body aircraft that seats several hundred passengers. The schedule calls for three flights a week, with a boost to five departures from early 2027.

Cam Ranh Airport serves the popular resort town of Nha Trang, long a priority winter destination for the tour operator. Besides Moscow, the network now includes Siberian and Far‑East cities – Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Blagoveshchensk. Arrivals are greeted with touches of Vietnamese culture: staff in traditional headgear, photo‑spots set up for travelers.

Demand for Vietnamese beaches in the summer exceeded expectations, prompting the operator to add winter services. In the first seven months of 2026 more than 800 000 Russians visited the country – a rise of over one‑and‑a‑half times compared with the previous year. Russia ranked third among foreign markets for Vietnamese tourism and first among European nations.

Zanzibar: a new Russian route to Africa

In July 2026 Air Tanzania opened a direct Moscow‑Zanzibar link via Dar‑es‑Salaam. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner flies three times a week, making the journey comfortable and relatively quick. The move was announced by Tanzania’s president after a visit to Moscow, where tourism featured prominently in the talks.

Since the route’s debut, Russian tourists have become a noticeable slice of visitors to Nungwi and Kendwa islands. Local entrepreneurs report a surge in demand for souvenirs, food services and accommodation. For many island residents the nonstop flight is a “window to the world,” allowing them to earn from catering to new guests.

Despite occasional schedule hiccups linked to routine risk assessments, the overall impact is judged positive: the ease of flying makes Zanzibar more competitive against other tropical spots, and travelers often liken it to the Maldives.

What the two destinations share?

• Nonstop service as a growth catalyst – in both cases the introduction of a direct Moscow connection sparked a sharp rise in Russian visitor numbers.
• Seasonal expansion – Vietnam already plans to increase winter frequencies, while Tanzania is discussing extra departures to meet growing demand.
• Boost to local economies – businesses in Nha Trang and Zanzibar report higher earnings from sales, dining and lodging.
• Cultural exchange – flight arrivals are accompanied by national‑cultural touches, and Russian language is heard more often in tourist zones.

Practical tips for travelers

1. Book early – with limited seats at the start, it’s wise to plan a few months ahead of your desired dates.
2. Visa rules – both countries still allow visa‑free entry for Russians for up to 45 days, simplifying preparations.
3. Seasonal choice – to dodge peak prices and crowds, consider winter for Vietnam and the shoulder season for Zanzibar.
4. Insurance and health – in tropical regions a medical policy covering infectious‑disease treatment is strongly recommended.
5. Airport transport – official shuttles and taxis are available in both locations, but confirm rates beforehand to avoid surprises.

Outlook

The success of these new routes shows Russian travelers are increasingly hunting for distant yet affordable getaways. Airlines are expected to broaden the network, adding more departure cities and upping flight frequencies. For tourists that translates into more options, flexible dates and the chance to discover new corners of the world without long layovers.

If you’re planning a holiday in 2027, keep these two spots on your radar – they’ve already proved that a direct flight can turn a far‑off beach dream into a reality that’s within reach this coming year.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.