Published on
August 26, 2025

Fly One is Moldova’s first and only private airline and as of August 25, 2025, it’s now under sanctions from the Moldovan government. The authorities say the carrier has been getting around Moldova’s ban on direct flights to Russia by sending services first to Armenia before continuing to the Russian Federation. The directive and full list of banned entities were released in the Official Monitor of the Republic of Moldova.

The Information and Security Service (ISS) just handed down new sanctions against Fly One because of its supposed links to Vladimir Plahotniuc, the ex-leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova recently detained in Greece. The government claims that Fly One has been flying to Russia by first landing in Armenia, thereby dodging Moldova’s rules that block direct trips to Russia. The sanctions have put the spotlight on FlyOne Armenia, the airline’s branch in Yerevan, which is believed to have arranged a big chunk of the controversial journeys.

The sanctions could shake the travel and tourism sectors in Moldova and its links to Russia and Armenia. Fly One, which launched in 2015, has about a dozen planes in the air and operates out of Moldova and Armenia. The Yerevan branch is especially vital for traffic heading to Russia since Yerevan is often treated as a mid-point for connections to the Russian market.

Visiting Moldova, Russia, and Armenia has long been a popular choice for tourists exploring the region. Moldova’s stunning vineyards, fascinating culture, and budget-friendly prices have drawn more Russian travelers, and Fly One has provided a quick and convenient way to hop between these countries. Now, however, new sanctions threaten to limit service, forcing tourists and business travelers to look for different connections. This may already and will likely mean missing seats and having to replan trips, especially for people who usually use Fly One to fly to Armenia and then to Moldova.

Most affected will be those Russian tourists who usually fly Fly One to Moldova’s bustling capital, Chisinau, or to the picturesque towns of wine country and the ancient region of Gagauzia. Since direct flights from Moldova to Russia have been tight for years, Armenia has worked perfectly as a layover point, but with the sanctions now in place, Fly One’s schedule—once a lifeline now may become a turn-back point—means travelers will face longer connections and less reliable service. This drop will likely ripple through Moldovan hotels, vineyards, and guides, as well as through the larger network of carriers and suppliers that connect the entire route.

Political and Legal Implications for Fly One

Fly One is facing more than just flight disruptions; the sanctions are clouding the airline’s everyday business and could stain the reputation of its CEO, Vladimir Cebotari. He is the leader of the Modern Democratic Party of Moldova and is deep into campaigning for the next parliamentary race. Any link between him and the airline may taint how voters see him, turning a service ticket into a potential political liability. The weight of these sanctions may shift how he is viewed nationally and could shape his upcoming campaign in a turbulent political setting.

Alternatives for Affected Travelers and Future Outlook

Travelers whose tickets on Fly One have been canceled must seek new options. Armenia remains a central transit point for flights to Russia, with other airlines like Air Armenia and Armenian Airlines ready to absorb part of the passenger volume from Moldova and Russia. If these options do not fit, consider booking connecting flights through popular European hubs like Vienna or Istanbul, which frequently serve both Moldovan and South Caucasian routes.

Over the longer horizon, the tourism industries in Moldova and Armenia might adapt to fresh patterns of access. Travel between Russia and the South Caucasus is particularly vulnerable to evolving sanctions and embargoes, and future airborne lanes could shift once again.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Moldova’s Travel and Tourism Industry

As Fly One faces the new sanctions and possible cutbacks on its routes, the Moldovan tourism sector, especially its links with Russia and Armenia, is likely getting scrutinized. How the Moldovan government decides to react could set the tone for regional air travel going forward. Even if other airlines step in to absorb Fly One’s traffic, the sanctions present a turning point for the sector, which has depended heavily on the carrier to connect Moldova with Russian travelers.

The sanctions’ reach could stretch even further, possibly influencing Moldova’s diplomatic ties and its position within the larger Eastern European travel market. Keeping a close eye on upcoming travel policies, new airline partnerships, or visa arrangements will be key to understanding how Moldova’s travel and tourism strategy will adjust in this region that remains strategically significant within the continent.