Russian flag carrier Aeroflot will cancel international flights, except Belarus, from 8 March. The cancellation of international flights will apply to all airlines in the Aeroflot group, including Rossiya and Aurora. The airline’s flights have also been removed from Sabre, a global distribution system that processes ticket purchases and other transactions.
As we discussed on our AvTalk podcast recently, Russian airlines have multiple concerns flying their aircraft outside the country. Due to sanctions the airlines have trouble paying for ground handling and fuel and perhaps most importantly, lessors who own the planes are seeking to repossess them as quickly as possible.
Which destinations are affected?
In February, Aeroflot, Rossiya, and Aurora operated 2409 flights to 100 international destinations in 53 countries.
What was left after EU, Canada, and US flight bans
Following the imposition of flight bans by countries in the EU, Canada, and the United States, the Aeroflot group’s international network shrunk by about half. 47 destinations in 25 countries, representing 1,225 monthly trips remained available to the airlines. After 8 March, Minsk will remain Aeroflot’s only international destination. The chart below excludes Minsk as it will continue to operate.
Which aircraft were flying internationally?
Aeroflot’s longhaul fleet consists of 777s, A330s, and (up until last week) a growing number of A350s. Their shorthaul international fleet is a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with the Airbus fleet more vulnerable to lessor action as the 737-800 fleet is owned by Russian lessors. Rossiya remained one of the last airlines operating regular 747 passenger service.
Which Russian airlines have aircraft parked outside Russia
Multiple Aeroflot aircraft are currently parked outside Russia as they were unable to return as EU countries imposed flight bans. S7 Airlines has one A320neo outside Russia.
