Russia’s government is evaluating a new passenger fee aimed at subsidizing the leasing and operation of Russian-made aircraft, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed fee, which still awaits final approval, may be up to 500 rubles for domestic flights and 1,000 rubles for international flights, with some estimates suggesting even higher amounts.
The Transport Ministry might oversee the collection, distributing a portion of the revenue to leasing companies to bridge the cost gap for domestically produced aircraft. Additionally, some proceeds could be allocated to airlines to offset operating cost differences compared to foreign models, such as Airbus and Boeing.
Analysts consider that if implemented, the fee could generate significant revenue—estimated between 200 to 250 billion rubles over the period of 2027 to 2030. However, the proposal is still in an early stage, with no concrete decisions on the exact fee amounts or collection methods.
Higher ticket prices resulting from this fee might lead to reduced passenger traffic and lower revenue for airlines and airports. Some experts have suggested that initial costs could be mitigated through government funding. Notably, since September 2025, passengers have been paying 150 rubles for airfield renovations, adjusted annually for inflation.
Among the Russian aircraft discussed are the MC-21, which costs approximately 8.9 to 11 billion rubles to produce, and the SJ-100, estimated at 5.4 billion rubles. Western aircraft such as Airbus A320-200s and Boeing 737-800s, costing around 3.4 to 4 billion rubles, remain difficult to supply due to sanctions, with deliveries often made through unofficial channels.
