Russia proposes new airline ticket surcharge to finance domestic aircraft production

Russia is considering imposing an airline ticket surcharge to finance a major aircraft production initiative, with the fee potentially reaching 1,000 rubles ($13) per ticket, according to a report by Interfax. The proposed charge would amount to 1,000 rubles for international flights and 500 rubles for domestic flights, possibly taking effect as early as 2027, according to a draft federal budget assessment by the State Duma Budget and Tax Committee.

According to Kommersant, some of the revenue from the surcharge would be directed towards leasing companies to bridge the gap between aircraft production costs and the subsidized prices airlines pay for the planes, while the remainder would go to airlines to offset the high operating costs of the aircraft. In 2023, Russia launched a comprehensive aviation industry development program aimed at significantly boosting domestic aircraft production.

The program initially projected annual increases in output, with 80 aircraft to be manufactured in 2025 and 120 in 2026. However, airlines have not yet received a single aircraft under the program since its inception. The MC-21, SSJ-100, and Il-114 airliners are now anticipated to commence flights no earlier than 2027. Since September 2025, airline passengers have been required to pay a 150 ruble ($2) fee per person to fund airfield reconstruction, which is adjusted annually for inflation.