Russia Weighs Passenger Fees of Up to 1000 Rubles to Fund Domestic Aircraft Leasing

Russian authorities are exploring a new passenger surcharge aimed at financing the leasing and operation of domestically manufactured aircraft. The measure is being developed by Mintrans, Minpromtorg, and Rostec, according to sources cited by Kommersant.

Preliminary proposals set the fee at up to 500 rubles for domestic flights and up to 1000 rubles for international routes. Alternative figures under discussion reach 700 rubles inside Russia and 2000 rubles abroad. No final decisions have been taken on either the exact amounts or the collection mechanism.

At projected 2025 passenger volumes the surcharge could yield between 68 and 84 billion rubles per year. Over the 2027-2030 period authorities expect to collect a total of 200-250 billion rubles. The proceeds would be directed to leasing companies to offset the difference between the high production cost of Russian aircraft and the preferential prices offered to carriers.

Part of the funds may also go to airlines to cover higher operating expenses during the initial years. The first MC-21 airliners are estimated to cost 8.9-11 billion rubles each, compared with roughly 3.4-3.6 billion rubles for an Airbus A320-200. Similarly, the SJ-100 is projected at 5.4 billion rubles versus about 3 billion rubles for an Embraer E190.

Additional compensation for aviation fuel costs is also under consideration. Policymakers anticipate that serial production after 2030 will reduce unit costs and render the surcharge unnecessary, although passengers remain skeptical about the temporary nature of such levies.

Industry analysts warn that the extra charge will increase ticket prices and could depress passenger demand, thereby reducing revenues for airlines, airports, and the state budget. They recommend covering early-stage operating losses directly from the federal treasury instead.