Officials have confirmed that Burkina Faso and Russia are exploring plans to establish direct air links to strengthen their expanding bilateral cooperation.
According to westafricaweekly, Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Russia, Aristide Tapsoba, revealed the discussions on the sidelines of the Technoprom-2025 forum in Novosibirsk, telling Russian news agency TASS that the two countries are examining practical steps toward opening a direct route.
The development comes as Russia works to expand its international aviation network despite ongoing Western sanctions. On May 19, Sputnik Africa reported that Moscow is in talks with several countries about restoring or launching direct flight connections.
He emphasised, however, that Russia requires assurances that its aircraft will not face servicing restrictions abroad due to sanctions.
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The Russian Transport Ministry recently announced plans to broaden air connectivity with BRICS nations and explore new routes, following agreements reached during a meeting of transport ministers. If finalised, a direct Ouagadougou, Moscow air link would mark a significant step in deepening economic and diplomatic ties between Burkina Faso and Russia.
Recently, Nigeria signed an agreement with Brazil, advancing its aviation by launching direct Lagos-São Paulo flights under the signed BASA with Brazil and exploring direct connections to St. Lucia as an entry point into the broader Caribbean.
These moves are strengthening West Africa’s connectivity with BRICS nations and emerging markets, accelerating ambitions to become a strategic gateway in South-South economic and cultural cooperation.
Within the West Africa region, Africa World Airlines (AWA) officially launched its direct flight route between Accra, Ghana and Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.
The inaugural flight landed on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Ouagadougou International Airport, a major expansion into the Sahel region. The launch of this route symbolises a growing commitment to enhancing intra-African connectivity and fostering regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
