Air transportation in Russia - statistics & facts
With its large customer base and a history of aircraft manufacturing, Russia is a major player in the aviation industry. The sector soared to new heights in 2024, with domestic carriers transporting over 111 million passengers and generating an impressive 1.8 trillion rubles in revenue. Air transportation dominates the Russian travel industry, with its passenger turnover surpassing other modes of transportation, such as railways. However, the sector remains under pressure of the Western sanctions, which include restrictions on exports of aircraft parts, Boeing and Airbus maintenance, as well as the closure of airspace for Russian aircraft. To reduce the import dependence, the Russian government has planned to increase the number of aircraft manufactured in the country; however, the shortage of equipment and components has been impeding the program.
Aeroflot airline leads Russia's aviation sector, capturing more than a quarter of the total passenger traffic in 2024. This is further solidified by Aeroflot's passenger numbers, with the carrier boarding more than 30 million travelers in 2024, the highest among domestic airlines. Pobeda, which ranks second in passenger numbers, also claims a substantial market share, while S7 Airlines occupies the third position. Aeroflot's dominance extended to the digital realm as well. In February 2025, Aeroflot.ru recorded the highest traffic among airline websites in Russia, significantly outpacing its closest competitor, S7 Airlines.
While the Russian air passenger transportation grew in 2024, aircraft shortages and increasing ticket prices might lead to a decline in passenger count in the following year. Furthermore, the sanctions continue to challenge both the passenger and freight segments.
Aeroflot is one of Europe's largest airlines
Russia's flagship carrier, Aeroflot airline, is part of the Aeroflot Group, which also includes Pobeda and Rossiya. The Aeroflot Group ranks as one of the leading in Europe in terms of passenger traffic, while Aeroflot airline has the seventh-most plane seats among the airlines in the region. Throughout 2024, the air carrier operated more than 21,000 flights, positioning itself between KLM and Iberia.Aeroflot airline leads Russia's aviation sector, capturing more than a quarter of the total passenger traffic in 2024. This is further solidified by Aeroflot's passenger numbers, with the carrier boarding more than 30 million travelers in 2024, the highest among domestic airlines. Pobeda, which ranks second in passenger numbers, also claims a substantial market share, while S7 Airlines occupies the third position. Aeroflot's dominance extended to the digital realm as well. In February 2025, Aeroflot.ru recorded the highest traffic among airline websites in Russia, significantly outpacing its closest competitor, S7 Airlines.
Air transportation occupies a minor portion of the freight volume
Overall, Russia's freight transportation sector is dominated by road vehicles, which account for roughly three-quarters of the total volume shipped. With approximately 490,000 metric tons of freight in 2024, air transportation is the smallest segment, with its share being below 0.01 percent. Domestic routes have outnumbered international in terms of ton-kilometers since 2023, reflecting the impact of the sanctions. Moreover, air cargo had one of the highest costs increases in 2024, measured at 14 percent relative to the previous year.While the Russian air passenger transportation grew in 2024, aircraft shortages and increasing ticket prices might lead to a decline in passenger count in the following year. Furthermore, the sanctions continue to challenge both the passenger and freight segments.
