Ryanair could start flights to Russia as early as next spring after being granted permission to fly to Moscow and St Petersburg from Dublin.
However, the deal does not allow Ryanair to fly from any other European airports to Russia.
The airline’s spokesman confirmed today it was in "exploratory" talks with a number of airports as potential destinations in Russia.
However, the deal does not allow Ryanair to fly from any other European airports to Russia.
Russian president Vladimir Putin last year backed plans for low-cost flights, which will require legal changes to Russian law to permit non-refundable tickets, charging for meals and the hiring of foreign pilots.
Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, plans to spent $100m launching its own budget arm after no-frills operators EasyJet and Wizz Air launched budget flights to Moscow.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary said in September the airline was looking at new routes in north Africa, Israel and Russia.
