Rich Russian Holidaymakers Flock to Turkey, Thailand, and UAE to Sidestep Travel Sanctions

Wealthy Russians defied travel sanctions and continued to go on holiday despite the European Union suspending visas for Russian travelers following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to a report by flight data firm ForwardKeys.

While seat capacity on flights from Russia to the European Union dropped by 99%, wealthy Russians sought alternative destinations. Thailand emerged as one of the most popular destinations, with an 81% increase in premium-class travel compared to 2019.

The UAE, Turkey, the Maldives, and Egypt also saw significant increases in premium travel. Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines benefited the most from the surge. However, the report indicates that the wealthy travel surge has collapsed in 2023, with international travel declining even among the affluent. Flight bookings for both premium and economy classes are significantly lower than 2019 levels.

The war in Ukraine has also impacted flight prices and travel times, with increased flight durations and higher fares compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.