MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. Russia plans to launch direct air service with Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, Kuwait, Indonesia and the Philippines in 2024, the head of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Russian Economic Development Ministry Nikita Kondratyev said.

"We have already established direct air service with 40 countries. This year we plan to launch direct air service with Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, Kuwait, Indonesia, the Philippines," he said.

It is also planned to seriously expand the air-route network with China and Vietnam, Kondratyev added.