Russia Considers Passenger Fee to Fund Domestic Aircraft

Russia’s Transport, Industry and Trade Ministries and state corporation Rostec are drafting a passenger fee that could reach 500–700 rubles on domestic tickets and 1,000–2,000 rubles on international flights. The fee would be collected by the Transport Ministry and split between leasing companies and airlines to cover the higher production cost of Russian‑made aircraft such as the MC‑21, SJ‑100, Tu‑214 and Il‑114. Kommersant estimates the measure could raise 200–250 billion rubles between 2027 and 2030, after which the fee may be dropped as the planes become cheaper. The proposal is still in early stages; no final amount or collection method has been set. Analysts warn that the added cost could lower passenger volumes, airline and airport revenue, and tax receipts. The fee would be adjusted annually for inflation, following the 150‑ruble charge introduced in September 2025 for airfield renovations.