Russia’s regional aviation network is facing mounting disruption as a worsening jet fuel shortage forces airlines to cancel flights and reduce schedules during the peak summer travel season.
Russia’s airline executives say carriers are being forced to cut fuel consumption by as much as one-third, resulting in widespread cancellations and fewer frequencies across domestic routes.
The crisis is being driven by damage to Russia’s oil refining infrastructure following repeated Ukrainian drone strikes, which have disrupted the production and distribution of refined petroleum products, including aviation fuel. Regional airports outside Moscow have been particularly affected, with some reportedly introducing fuel rationing as supplies tighten.
For travelers, the impact is significant. Routes linking southern Russia, the Urals and parts of Siberia have seen increasing cancellations, leaving passengers scrambling to find alternative transportation. On the international front, Israel’s flag carrier, El Al, has temporarily suspended flights between Tel Aviv and Moscow, citing the deteriorating security situation. Customer service centers have also been overwhelmed as airlines attempt to accommodate affected travelers.
The fuel shortage comes on top of the wider challenges facing Russia’s aviation sector since international sanctions were imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. Russian airlines continue to operate under restrictions that prevent access to most Western aircraft, spare parts and maintenance support, forcing carriers to rely on domestic maintenance programs and aircraft cannibalization to keep fleets operational.
The country’s international network also remains a fraction of its pre-2022 size. Most European, North American and several Asia-Pacific carriers no longer serve Russia, while Russian airlines remain banned from EU, UK, US, Canadian or Japanese airspace. International services are now concentrated on destinations in Central Asia, the Middle East, China and a limited number of other countries.
In recent months, Russian aviation has also faced repeated temporary airport closures due to drone attacks, particularly around Moscow and southern Russia. These security-related shutdowns have caused additional delays and flight disruptions, further complicating airline operations during the busy summer travel period.
With fuel supplies under pressure and operational costs continuing to rise, industry analysts expect regional airlines to keep trimming schedules until refinery output stabilizes. Travelers flying within Russia are advised to monitor their flight status.
