Analysis of changes in the volume of air transportation in Russia following the imposition of international sanctions

Introduction. The relevance of the study stems from the impact of international sanctions on the Russian aviation industry, including restrictions on financial access, the import of aircraft, and cooperation with foreign airlines. Examining the adaptation strategies of air carriers is essential for assessing their sustainability and flexibility. The study is aimed at examining the volume of air transportation in Russia following the imposition of international sanctions. Materials and methods. The study included the following materials: statistics, regulations, electronic resources, analytical materials, and scientific research. Methods used in the study were as follows: statistical analysis; comparative analysis. Results. In 2022-2023, the Russian transportation sector faced significant challenges due to international sanctions and restricted access to foreign markets. The volume of air cargo shipments decreased by 59% in 2022, while cargo turnover dropped by 3.3 times, leading to losses for major airlines and a decline in their revenue. Domestic transportation remained relatively stable, whereas international operations saw a sharp decline: cargo volume between Russia and the EU fell by nearly 69%, and air freight exports and imports decreased by more than 64%. At the same time, increased cooperation within the EAEU was observed, particularly in passenger and cargo transportation among member states. Overall, the sanctions significantly impacted the development of air logistics in Russia, causing a reduction in transport volumes and necessitating the search for new routes and partnerships. Conclusion. Modern air cargo transportation is undergoing continuous transformation driven by technological innovations, international cooperation, and enhanced customs control. Amid declining foreign supplies of Russian aircraft, the country continues to develop its domestic aviation industry, planning the production of new models, which requires substantial effort and time. The industry’s prospects depend on the economic situation, state support, and infrastructure development.