Russia imposes air ticket surcharge to fund domestic aircraft industry amid sanctions

Russia plans to add a surcharge of 500 roubles on domestic and 1,000 roubles on international flights from 2027 to finance the lease and operation of 258 Russian-built aircraft. This is a direct response to Western sanctions that have crippled Russia's access to foreign aircraft and parts, forcing a pivot to domestic production. The surcharge signals a state-directed industrial policy that will raise travel costs and test consumer tolerance, while underscoring the structural strain on Russia's aviation sector.

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