Pobeda Airlines has been held administratively liable for violations of passenger rights. The cause was the denial of carriage due to overbooking – the practice of selling more tickets than available seats onboard. This was reported by the press service of the West Siberian Transport Prosecutor’s Office.
In January 2025, two passengers on an Omsk-Moscow flight were denied carriage on the low-cost carrier’s flight due to a lack of available seats on the aircraft. The Omsk Transport Prosecutor’s Office conducted an investigation and identified systemic violations at the airline. The carrier’s management received a representation, and Pobeda itself was fined ₤333 (approximately $370 USD) under Article 14.4 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation.
Overbooking is a common strategy among air carriers, especially low-cost ones. It is based on the statistic that 10-15% of passengers do not show up for their flight, allowing airlines to fill more seats.
However, when the limit is exceeded, some passengers with flight tickets have to be denied boarding. This practice is not prohibited in Russia, but it is not regulated either. There are no clear rules for compensation for passengers, which creates a legal vacuum.
Legal proceedings with Pobeda due to overbooking are not a first. In 2021, the airline sold 197 tickets for a Yekaterinburg-Sochi flight, even though the aircraft only accommodated 189 passengers. The denials of check-in were explained by a failure in the “inverter system”, but the court considered this misleading. The arbitration confirmed a fine of ₤1,111 (approximately $1,230 USD), and the appeal upheld the decision.
The issue of overbooking requires a legislative solution. Currently, airlines, including Pobeda and S7 Airlines, are balancing between profit and reputational risks.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...