Russia Orders Airline Safety Inspections as Accident Rate Doubles
Russian authorities are set to launch nationwide inspections of regional airlines following a sharp rise in aviation accidents and fatalities, according to a report by the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia.
Official data shows that commercial aviation accidents in Russia rose from eight in 2023 to 17 in 2024, while fatalities surged from 12 to 37 during the same period. In 2025 alone, 53 people have already lost their lives in major incidents—surpassing the total deaths recorded over the past two years combined.
Citing findings from Rostransnadzor, Russia’s federal transport watchdog, Izvestia reported that “systemic violations of aviation safety laws” have been identified across the industry. These include insufficient aircraft maintenance, poor pilot training, and widespread noncompliance with technical standards.
The watchdog also linked the growing safety crisis to the impact of Western sanctions, which have cut off access to spare parts and forced airlines to extend the lifespan of aging Soviet-era aircraft. As a result, many carriers now rely on salvaged components from decommissioned or stored planes to keep their fleets operational.
Industry experts warned that a lack of qualified pilots is compounding the problem, as younger aviators are reluctant to fly outdated aircraft while experienced pilots continue to retire.
To address the crisis, Rostransnadzor will carry out comprehensive audits of 51 regional airlines between December 2025 and December 2026, as mandated by Russia’s Transport Ministry. The inspections aim to restore compliance, improve safety standards, and prevent further loss of life.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, themoscowtimes.com