(RUSSIA) — Russian airlines are cutting fuel consumption by roughly one-third after suppliers declared force majeure at refineries, threatening domestic and international routes as peak summer travel approaches.

The crisis began in late May 2026, when disruptions at Russian refineries triggered supply problems across the country’s aviation network. Fuel suppliers notified carriers in early June that they could not guarantee normal deliveries, citing force majeure conditions at production facilities. At least one airline was instructed to prepare for a one-third reduction in fuel allotments.

The fuel shortage compounds existing pressure on Russia’s aviation sector. Refinery maintenance issues, compounded by Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure, have constrained domestic fuel production at facilities across the country. Summer demand typically peaks during this period, widening the gap between available supply and operational need.

Azimut Airlines issued a direct warning to industry regulators about the deteriorating situation. The carrier stated that the combination of shrinking fuel supply and sharply higher prices was making both domestic and international flights uneconomic. Without intervention, the airline indicated, route cuts would follow. The warning from Azimut represents the most explicit acknowledgment from a Russian carrier that the fuel crisis threatens operational viability.

Jet fuel costs at Russian airports have surged since early June. Average prices rose by more than 17% nationwide, according to industry reports dated June 24, 2026. Some airports recorded far steeper increases than the national average, creating significant cost disparities between regions.

At least one facility saw a 64% jump in fuel prices. The discrepancies between airports suggest that supply constraints are hitting regional facilities unevenly, with smaller outposts absorbing the largest price shocks. Carriers operating routes through these higher-cost airports face steeper operating costs on those specific segments.

The Russian government moved to protect domestic supply by banning aviation fuel exports through November 30, 2026. The ban keeps fuel inside the country but does not address the refinery capacity problems driving the shortage. Higher operating costs are now flowing through to airlines already operating on thin margins, particularly regional carriers with limited financial reserves.

The situation remains unresolved as of June 25, 2026. Airlines face a difficult choice between absorbing higher fuel costs or cutting routes that no longer generate sufficient revenue. Either path likely means higher fares and fewer options for passengers traveling within Russia or on Russian-operated international routes.

Unlike international carriers serving Russia, Russian airlines cannot easily source fuel from alternative suppliers abroad. Sanctions and the export ban limit their flexibility. Carriers based outside Russia face the same price increases when refueling at Russian airports. They can shift operations to nearby hubs in neighboring countries if costs become prohibitive, an option Russian carriers do not have.

If you hold tickets on Russian carriers for travel this summer, monitor your booking closely. Airlines have not yet announced specific cancellations tied to the fuel crisis, but Azimut’s warning suggests cuts could come quickly if supply conditions worsen. Check your carrier’s website for schedule updates and review rebooking or refund policies before arriving at the airport.

International travelers connecting through Moscow or other Russian hubs should also pay attention. If Russian carriers reduce frequency on feeder routes, connections could become unreliable. Passengers ticketed on through-fares with non-Russian carriers may have better protection, since those airlines are obligated to rebook or refund under international ticketing rules.

Route cuts would reduce both earning opportunities and redemption availability for travelers enrolled in Russian loyalty programs. No Russian carrier has announced changes to mileage earning rates, but fuel-driven fare increases would effectively raise the cost per mile on affected routes. Passengers close to elite status thresholds may find fewer qualifying flights available if carriers trim schedules.

The export ban runs through November 30, 2026, meaning supply pressure is likely to persist through the summer and into early autumn. Travelers with flexible plans should consider rebooking on international carriers where possible, or building extra buffer time into connections through Russian airports to account for potential schedule changes.