Russia's airfield upgrades stall as foreign airlines withhold traffic fees

Russia's plan to upgrade small airfields faces financial challenges after foreign airlines stopped paying air traffic fees. The government had set ambitious targets, including renovating 50 airfields by 2030. But revenue from navigation charges fell short of expectations in recent years.

In 2024, no international carriers paid Russia's newly introduced air traffic fees. Western airlines had already halted flights after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Only a few operators from China, India, and Turkey maintained limited services, though no payments from them were confirmed.

The fund collected just 4 billion rubles that year, far below initial forecasts. Russian airlines contributed more in 2025, paying over 13.5 billion rubles for airfield repairs. However, growth in 2026 slowed due to a weaker dollar, as foreign carriers pay fees in U.S. currency.

Federal budget plans for 2025–2027 had originally expected 38.7 billion rubles from these fees. The money was meant for minor airfield repairs, lighting upgrades, and temporary infrastructure improvements. By 2030, the programme still aims to renovate at least 50 airfields, requiring around 12 billion rubles annually.

The shortfall in fees leaves the airfield renovation programme underfunded. Without international payments, domestic contributions alone may not cover the planned upgrades. The government will need to adjust funding or scale back its targets for modernising small airfields.