Sanctions and parts shortages push Russia’s civil aviation to the brink as engine failures surge

Sanctions and parts shortages push Russia’s civil aviation to the brink as engine failures surge

December and January have shown that flying in Russia increasingly feels like a lottery, with accidents becoming the new normal. Sanctions, a shortage of spare parts and operating aircraft “to the last bolt” are pushing the sector to the edge. Since late 2025, Russia’s civil aviation has been showing clearer consequences of isolation and sanctions. Planes are increasingly returning to their departure airports, crews are shutting down engines in …