Challenges Mount for Russia’s Aviation Sector Amid Ongoing Conflict
Russia’s aviation sector faces escalating challenges as it struggles to maintain its fleet of Western airliners amidst ongoing conflict. The difficulties were highlighted by industry expert Charlton, who noted that Moscow’s attempts to repair and keep operational its partially commandeered civil aviation fleet are increasingly constrained by a lack of available spare parts. This issue is compounded by efforts to manufacture fake spare parts for aircraft seized from Western leasing companies when the war began.
Charlton emphasized the limits of sourcing spare parts, stating, “Over time, there are only so many spare parts you can cannibalize from other aircraft and only so many spares you can make quickly.” The surge in demand for replacement parts has also led to the prevalence of black-market and bootlegged spares, which are significantly costlier, placing additional financial strain on Russian airlines.
Ukrainian drone strikes have further complicated the situation, causing frequent stoppages at Russian airports and heightening tensions in the aviation industry. The major carrier Aeroflot faced a significant operational setback on July 28 when it was subjected to a cyberattack attributed to a pro-Ukrainian hacking group, resulting in the cancellation of dozens of flights.
This combination of problems contributes to a growing sense of urgency and stress within the sector. “This cocktail of problems and emergencies leads to fatigue and desperation,” Charlton remarked. He added that civil aviation operations are tightly intertwined with military aviation, which exacerbates concerns about safety and operational security as the conflict continues.
Passenger traffic on Russian airlines reflects these mounting challenges, as data presented to President Vladimir Putin revealed a decline in the number of travelers. In the first half of 2025, fewer than 50 million passengers utilized Russian airlines, down from 51.1 million during the same period in the previous year.
Transport Minister Roman Starovoit reported these figures to Putin on July 3, only to be dismissed four days later and subsequently found dead from a gunshot wound in his vehicle, casting a shadow over the ministry amidst growing scrutiny over the sector’s direction.
As Russia’s civil aviation industry grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the implications for both domestic travel and international relations remain profound. The ongoing conflict and the responses from Ukraine continue to shape the operational landscape for Russian airlines, suggesting a turbulent future ahead, reports 24brussels.
