# Russia Extends Special Regime for Foreign-Leased Aircraft Until 2028 Russian airlines will continue operating foreign-leased planes despite international sanctions and ownership disputes. - **Source:** [Meduza English](https://meduza.io/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/df62bfd7-2410-42de-9848-93af941f990d ## Extended Operational Regime The Russian Transport Ministry has proposed extending a special regulatory regime until the end of 2028. This policy allows domestic airlines to continue operating foreign-leased aircraft and engines that were not returned following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The draft resolution amends the existing Government Resolution No. 412, originally established in March 2022. ## Origins of the Dispute Following the start of the full-scale war, international leasing companies demanded the immediate return of their aircraft from Russian carriers. Simultaneously, the European Union implemented severe sanctions, prohibiting the supply of civilian aircraft, spare parts, and maintenance services to Russia. These measures effectively cut off Russian airlines from global aviation support networks. ## Initial Fleet Impact At the onset of the conflict in 2022, Russian airlines operated a fleet of 515 foreign-leased aircraft. The subsequent geopolitical fallout forced a complex restructuring of these assets. Some planes were seized by authorities while abroad, while others were either returned to their original owners or successfully bought out by the Russian operators. ## Settlement Progress Ratios Data indicates that Russian airlines have made significant efforts to resolve outstanding claims with foreign lessors. Out of the 407 planes that remained after initial disruptions, 204 have had their claims settled between 2022 and 2025. This process reflects the ongoing struggle to normalize fleet ownership amid the broader international sanctions environment. ## Regulatory Protection Strategy The explanatory note accompanying the draft resolution explicitly states the measure is designed to protect the rights of Russian legal entities. By framing the extension as a defensive move against actions taken by unfriendly countries, the government seeks to maintain domestic air connectivity despite the lack of formal cooperation from international leasing firms. ## Insurance and Maintenance Hurdles Resolution No. 412 originally allowed Russian airlines to insure their aircraft under domestic rules rather than international standards. This shift was necessary because global insurance providers withdrew coverage due to sanctions. Maintaining these aircraft without access to original manufacturer support remains a primary technical challenge for the Russian aviation sector moving forward. ## Timeline of Policy Shifts The special regime was initially scheduled to expire at the end of 2024. Authorities previously extended this deadline to the end of 2026 before the current proposal to push it to 2028. These incremental extensions highlight the long-term nature of the aviation crisis and the government's commitment to sustaining the current fleet. ## Broader Industry Implications The decision to retain foreign-leased planes underscores the isolation of the Russian aviation market from global financial and technical systems. While the government provides a legal framework for continued operations, the long-term safety and airworthiness of these aging, unsupported aircraft remain critical concerns for the future of Russian domestic and international travel. ## Sources covering this story - https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/11/06/russia-moves-to-let-airlines-keep-flying-foreign-leased-planes-they-never-returned-after-the-full-scale-invasion-of-ukraine — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._