The Russian air transport market in 2024 exhibited a mixed bag of trends, characterised by a redistribution of passenger traffic between airports and carriers. The number of “millionaire” airports (those handling over a million passengers annually) decreased to 30, partly attributable to a downturn in performance at Grozny Airport.
In 2023, Grozny’s passenger throughput had increased, buoyed by a surge in domestic tourism, reaching the one million mark. In 2024, however, it dropped by 5.4% to 951,500 passengers. This dip at Grozny may indicate the volatility of demand on certain routes.
Domodedovo, the Moscow hub that was once Russia’s largest airport, has fallen out of the top three busiest airports. Its performance has suffered amidst S7’s challenges with operating foreign-manufactured aircraft and the airline’s focus on developing its route network from its primary base at Tolmachevo Airport (Novosibirsk). Passenger numbers at Domodedovo slumped by 21.9% to 15.6 million. This decline allowed fellow Moscow airport Vnukovo, which boosted its passenger throughput by 11% to 16 million, to climb into third place. Pulkovo remains firmly entrenched in second position.
Sheremetyevo Airport continues to demonstrate above-average growth, boosted by the performance of its home-based carrier – the Aeroflot Group. A 20% increase in passenger traffic, according to preliminary figures from Rosaviatsiya (Federal Air Transport Agency), confirms the trend towards the consolidation of air transport at major hubs. This concentration may necessitate further infrastructure development and optimisation of logistical processes at Sheremetyevo.
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From 10th February 2025, S7 Airlines will be reinstating direct scheduled services from Moscow to Apatity. The use of Airbus A320 aircraft on this route will ensure adequate capacity for the existing passenger volume, as well as comfort and safety. The resumption of flights to Apatity is aimed at winter sports enthusiasts, improving access to the ski resorts of Kirovsk.
Furthermore, the airline has axed its only evening flight from Omsk to Moscow. This decision, the reasons for which remain undisclosed, restricts the options for passengers from Omsk planning trips to the capital. The cancellation of the evening service could negatively impact Omsk’s appeal to tourists and business travellers alike.
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Construction of a new airport terminal has been completed at Novokuznetsk in the Kemerovo Region. The commissioning of this modern terminal will significantly enhance passenger service quality and increase the airport’s throughput capacity. The five-storey building covers 19,500 square metres and features three air bridges, six escalators, and 15 lifts. A live trial involving at least 300 volunteers is anticipated shortly to test the functionality of check-in and passenger embarkation/disembarkation services, as well as the baggage handling system.
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Nordwind Airlines has extended year-round air connectivity between Ulan-Ude and Kazan. Flights will operate twice weekly, providing a consistent link between the regions. A combined funding model, incorporating subsidised and commercial services, will ensure the route’s profitability and affordable air travel for local residents.
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Smartavia ranked eighth in terms of passenger numbers among Russia’s leading air carriers for 2024. With 3.54 million passengers carried during the year, this demonstrates the airline’s solid position in the market. A high seat factor (96.6%) indicates effective load management on its services.
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Concurrent with changes in the domestic market, Russia is undertaking efforts to expand its international air links. Discussions regarding an increase in flight frequencies between Russia and Egypt reflect the industry’s desire to meet the growing demand for leisure travel. The increase in flights to Egypt, which offers a favourable climate all year round, will also support Russian airlines. Overall, air services between Russia and Egypt are robust, with approximately 20 flights per day to Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh.
The number of weekly flights between St. Petersburg and Istanbul will rise from 42 to 46. Turkish airline AJet will begin operating flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Pulkovo, increasing capacity on this route. The carrier will fly this route four times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting from 14th March.
Jazeera Airways will launch services on the Kuwait–Sochi route during the summer season. This event marks the expansion of the airline’s route network, which, in addition to Moscow, will now include Sochi. The first flight is scheduled for 27th June 2025. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, with a flight time of 2 hours 50 minutes.
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According to preliminary data from Rosaviatsiya, Russian passenger traffic continued its recovery in 2024, with growth of approximately 5% to a total of 111.3 million passengers. Traffic through Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo airports also increased by about 5%, reaching roughly 75 million passengers. Sheremetyevo, Russia’s largest airport, handled approximately 20% more passengers compared to 2023 – around 43 million passengers.
Overall, the Russian aviation market demonstrates resilience to sanctions, exhibiting both signs of growth and isolated areas of concern. Increasing international flight frequencies, developing regional routes, and upgrading airport infrastructure are key drivers for the industry’s continued development. The reduction in the number of “millionaire” airports and the cancellation of services on certain routes require careful analysis and action to optimise route networks and improve the accessibility of air travel for the population.
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