Azimuth Airlines warns flights are becoming economically unviable amid Russia’s aviation fuel crisis

Russian airline Azimuth Airlines says the worsening situation on the country’s aviation fuel market has reached a critical point, making flight operations increasingly uneconomical.

According to a letter sent by the airline to the Association of Air Transport Operators of Russia, one of its main fuel suppliers informed the company in early June that fuel consumption would need to be reduced by about one-third. The supplier cited force majeure circumstances at oil refineries, which have led to a decline in the volume of aviation fuel available on the market.

Azimuth said alternative suppliers are also unable to provide the required quantities of fuel. Alongside shortages, fuel prices have risen sharply. According to the airline, the average price of aviation fuel at Russian airports has increased by 17 per cent since the beginning of June.

The carrier warned that under current conditions, operating its scheduled flight programme is losing economic viability on both domestic and international routes.

Azimuth has asked the Association of Air Transport Operators of Russia to appeal to the Russian Energy Ministry and seek measures aimed at stabilising the situation.

Russia’s fuel crisis began in late May 2026 amid an intensification of Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil-refining facilities.

Fuel distribution restrictions have already been introduced in several Russian regions, including the country’s central regions.