Istanbul Becomes Top Choice for Russian Travelers in February
Istanbul, January 26 – Data for February 2026 reveals that Russian travelers are concentrating their short winter trips in specific cities, both domestically and internationally. According to research findings, Istanbul has emerged as the undisputed leader for international flights, while Kaliningrad holds the top spot for domestic travel.
The findings, referenced by the TASS News Agency, indicate that while domestic holiday resorts are popular within Russia, Turkey and CIS countries are preferred for international travel. Kaliningrad and Istanbul were the most frequently chosen destinations for air travel by Russians in February 2026.
Domestic Travel Trends: Kaliningrad Leads the Way
For domestic travel, Kaliningrad saw the highest demand, accounting for approximately a quarter (24%) of all domestic bookings. Mineralnye Vody followed with 16% of reservations, while the resorts of Sochi and Adler each garnered a 14% share. Makhachkala also stood out with 14% of bookings. Murmansk attracted 9% of interest, and St. Petersburg accounted for 8%. Yekaterinburg, Samara, Krasnodar, and Novosibirsk collectively made up about 15% of total domestic reservations.
Istanbul Dominates International Bookings
Among international destinations, Istanbul was the clear leader, securing 34% of all international bookings. Yerevan followed with 12%, Tashkent with 10%, and both Baku and Paris with 8% each. Asian destinations such as Bangkok (6%), Phuket (5%), Ho Chi Minh City (5%), and Denpasar (4%) also continued to be in demand. Antalya (4%) and Fergana (4%) were also among the most popular cities for Russian travelers in February.
Ticket Prices and Travel Accessibility
The average ticket price for flights within Russia was 8,100 rubles, making domestic travel a relatively accessible option for short winter holidays. For international flights, the average ticket price reached 14,900 rubles. The most expensive flights were to Southeast Asian countries, while travel to Turkey and CIS countries was noted as more budget-friendly.
February is traditionally a period for short-term travel. During this time, Russians tend to choose destinations that are easily accessible and where air ticket costs remain reasonable. The leading position of Turkey and CIS countries is attributed to the absence of visa barriers and the ability to plan trips quickly. Asian countries, on the other hand, are more often chosen for longer holidays.
