Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Maharashtra & Russia Plan Direct Mumbai-St. Petersburg Flights
Maharashtra and Russia are planning to start direct flights between Mumbai and St. Petersburg.
This will make it easier for people to travel between the two cities and help boost tourism and trade.
St. Petersburg is known for its beautiful architecture and museums, which could attract more Indian tourists.
Maharashtra is excited about this plan and is looking forward to working with Russia to promote tourism and improve connections between the two regions.
Maharashtra Tourism and the Russian Federation discussed launching direct flights between Mumbai and St. Petersburg.
Direct flights aim to reduce travel times and boost tourism, trade, and investment.
St. Petersburg is promoted as a cultural gateway for Indian tourists, featuring UNESCO sites and museums.
A high-level delegation from St. Petersburg will visit Mumbai in September 2026 for a tourism showcase.
The partnership celebrates 60 years of the Mumbai–St. Petersburg sister city relationship.
- Who
- Maharashtra Tourism and the Consulate General of the Russian Federation
- What
- Proposal for direct air service between Mumbai and St. Petersburg
- When
- Meeting held on Friday; delegation visit scheduled for September 2026
- Where
- Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and St. Petersburg, Russia
- Why
- To boost bilateral tourism, reduce travel times, and enhance trade and investment opportunities
Maharashtra Tourism
Russian Federation
Tourism Cooperation
Maharashtra Tourism
Maharashtra aims to enhance tourism cooperation with Russia, focusing on St. Petersburg to boost international visitor arrivals.
Russian Federation
Russia sees India, particularly Maharashtra, as a strategic growth market for Russian tourists seeking diverse heritage and leisure destinations.
- Proposed Air Service
- Direct flights between Mumbai (BOM) and St. Petersburg (LED)
- Current Travel Route
- Connecting flights via Middle Eastern or regional hubs
- Expected Benefits
- Reduced travel times, increased trade, cross-border investment, and hospitality sector development
- St. Petersburg Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage architecture, Hermitage Museum, performing arts
- Upcoming Event
- High-level delegation from St. Petersburg to visit Mumbai in September 2026 for a destination showcase
- Sister City Partnership
- 60 years of Mumbai–St. Petersburg sister city partnership, established in 1967