Russian airlines are smuggling aircraft parts from the United States and Europe to keep their aircraft operational, according to a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty report.
Leah Walker, Lab Director for the Berkeley Risk and Security Lab, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that due to the dominance of the US and Europe in the aviation industry, Russia has been forced to turn to illicit channels for aircraft parts after being hit with international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine.
A recent smuggling incident occurred on February 13, 2025, when the US Department of Justice reported that three individuals had violated export restrictions imposed to Russia to ship aviation parts.
The three individuals who have been charged were working for Flighttime Enterprises, a US subsidiary of a Russian aircraft parts supplier. The indictment details four specific export transactions totaling more than $2 million, the US Department of Justice added.
The increasing number of smuggling cases underscores the severe crisis facing Russia’s civil aviation sector. As a result of these sanctions, Russia’s commercial fleet is becoming increasingly unsafe to operate.
Local media reported that aviation incidents in Russia were projected to rise by 25% in 2024, with 208 incidents recorded in the first 11 months of the year. Aviation experts warn that the situation may get worse in 2025 if sanctions remain in place, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Recently, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked United States representatives to consider reopening US airspace to Russian aircraft and resume direct flights between the two countries.
On February 24, 2025, marking four years since the invasion began, the European Commission unveiled a renewed sanctions package against Moscow. The package included an extension of the flight ban on airlines from other countries flying to Europe if they operate domestic flights within Russia.
