Russian transport ministry drafts law to legalise airline overbooking on frequent routes

Based on · First reported 1 Oct 2026

The Ministry of Transport is drafting amendments to the Air Code that would permit airlines to sell more tickets than seats on aircraft, a practice that is currently illegal in Russia. The proposed rules will be developed in consultation with airlines, while passengers will not be consulted. Overbooking would be allowed only on routes with a high frequency of flights, and a passenger could be removed only on flights that operate less than twice a day.
The bill also proposes to prohibit the removal of passengers who are traveling with children, disabled persons and their escorts, those with connecting flight tickets, and military personnel on official business. These measures aim to limit passenger discomfort while expanding airlines' revenue management options.

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