a Number of airlines sell tickets not yet open for flying from Russia to foreign countries to generate revenues that support them in their hard period. About it RIA “Novosti” said the expert in the field of aviation, the Executive Director of the Agency “AviaPort” Oleg Panteleev.
“Today a number of airlines sells tickets for international flights, including destinations, flights which are not yet confirmed. This allows carriers to receive revenue, supporting them in the difficult period”, — explained the expert.
however, he pointed out that “if the flights will not be allowed on the dates on which the tickets sold, the airline must offer passengers either a refund or rescheduling the flight.”
Recall that in connection with the distribution of worldwide COVID-19, Russia from February 1, 2020 closed all regular flights of the airlines of the Russian Federation in China, in addition to flights of “Aeroflot” in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Since February 14 was also suspended Charter flights of Russian airlines. In addition, there was limited air service between Russia and South Korea and with Iran. Later was cancelled some flights to Italy, Spain, France, Germany, there are only flights to the capitals of these countries and several cities, as well as to Israel.
From 22 March, the Federal air transport Agency began to allow flights only in the capital of foreign States, and 26 March, the government stopped regular and Charter transportations abroad, leaving export flights for the return of Russians to their homeland.
March 27 regular and Charter flights in airports of foreign States and back, except for flights for the removal of the Russians, has been completely discontinued.
In mid-July, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin called “difficult” situation in the market of air carriers, which carry “significant costs” due to pandemic coronavirus infection COVID-19. According to the head of the Cabinet, “the number of flights domestic traffic decreased significantly, and the practical suspension of international traffic was affected by including in income” of the companies and their work.
however, he pointed out that the government “took a number of important decisions” “to support the aviation industry”. “In particular, has made the aviation industry among the most affected and allocated appropriate resources. In particular, in the framework of this assistance to companies air transport envisages a system of deferments and exemptions. In addition, we have allocated 23.4 billion rubles as compensation of expenses due to the reduction of passenger traffic at all the Russian airlines,” — said Mishustin.
meanwhile, the government decided to gradually lift the ban on international flights from August 1. Russians will be able to visit London, Istanbul, Ankara, Zanzibar. From August 10 to the number of allowed directions will join the Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum.
Flights to and from Russia after the resumption of international flights will be carried out not only by Russian airlines and on a regular basis, but also with foreign carriers. The flights will be operated on regular and Charter basis.
