A proposed new fee on air passengers in Russia intended to finance the leasing and operation of domestic aircraft will increase ticket prices across the country, a transport advisory official has warned. Kirill Yankov, chairman of the Russian Passengers Union and member of the Public Council under the Ministry of Transport, stated that introducing the surcharge would directly drive up travel costs for passengers.
Speaking on Radio KP, Yankov noted that air travel in Russia is already subject to extra levies, as passengers currently pay a separate fee allocated for airport reconstruction projects. He explained that adding another mandatory payment would inevitably serve as a key factor raising overall airfares for domestic routes.
Yankov emphasized that flying remains an essential mode of transportation for many Russians rather than a discretionary expense. He pointed out that numerous settlements and remote communities cannot be reached by railway lines or motor highways, leaving air travel as their sole link to the rest of the country.
Aviation industry funding and passenger impact
The proposed surcharge aims to generate funds to assist airlines with the leasing and ongoing operation of Russian-made planes. Aircraft leasing is a financial mechanism that enables air carriers to operate passenger fleets through structured rental contracts rather than purchasing aircraft outright, easing upfront procurement costs while supporting fleet maintenance.
Yankov expressed doubt that the new fee on its own would significantly accelerate the development of the domestic aviation industry. Although he acknowledged that the sector demands substantial financial resources and that state budgets remain the principal source of funding, he stressed that taxing passengers in addition to government spending was an incorrect proposal.
Transport infrastructure and international travel context
The Russian Passengers Union acts as an advocacy organization defending consumer rights across public transport networks, while the Public Council under the Ministry of Transport provides civil oversight on national transit policies. Due to Russia's vast geographic expanse, regional transit relies heavily on domestic aviation where harsh terrain prevents the construction of permanent roads or railways.
The debate over domestic airfare levies comes alongside potential price increases for overseas trips. The European Commission is preparing to review its regulations governing the issuance of short-term Schengen visas, a decision expected to increase application costs for Russian travelers visiting European destination countries.
