The passenger traffic of Russian airlines can decline by up to 10% in 2016, Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said.
“The domestic market has increased significantly. The growth was about 6%, according to the data as of now. But still, the correction will be up to 10% due to a catastrophic fall of international traffic”, Sokolov said.
He said that restart of charter flights between Russia and Turkey, and a possible launch of flights to Egypt later this year might improve the situation.
According to Sokolov, the government is expected to retain state support of airlines so they could carry flights in unprofitable destinations in 2017. (Prime/Business World Magazine)