Moscow’s three airports: how Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo jointly run Domodedovo

Why the need for a merger

Moscow’s aviation infrastructure has long suffered from fragmentation: each of the three major airports—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo and Domodedovo—operates as a separate business centre. Domodedovo, in particular, found itself in a tough financial spot after its assets were transferred to the state and sold for about half their original price. With a heavy debt load, the owners started looking for a partner who could bring the airport back to stability.

How the deal unfolded

In early 2026 Sheremetyevo’s subsidiary – LLC “Perspektiva” – bought from Rosimushchestvo a group of companies that includes Domodedovo, paying roughly 66 billion rubles. The transaction also bundled debt‑service obligations estimated at about 70 billion rubles. Later Vnukovo announced it was ready to inject 16.5 billion rubles into Perspektiva’s charter capital, thereby acquiring 25.01 % of the shares. Control of the third capital airport is now split between two rivals.

The financial side of the story

Vnukovo plans to fund its share of the investment with a mix of its own cash and borrowed money; Sberbank is one of the main lenders. Sheremetyevo’s management says the project should pay for itself in roughly ten years. Both sides expect that joint management will cut costs and improve Domodedovo’s financial results, which have been in the red until now.

What each partner brings to the joint project

Technical maintenance and infrastructure

Vnukovo and Domodedovo are similar in size, so Vnukovo’s know‑how in aircraft servicing and ground‑system support can be quickly adapted to Domodedovo’s needs.

Cargo business and catering

Both airports already run solid cargo‑handling and passenger‑catering operations. Transferring proven practices should boost efficiency and shorten cargo‑processing times.

Baggage handling

The sorting and delivery systems honed at Vnukovo could become the basis for modernising Domodedovo’s baggage flow, where delays are currently common.

What will change for passengers

For travellers, the merger promises a higher service level: faster check‑in, more reliable baggage belts and better terminal conditions. In addition, joint management could make flight schedules more flexible and make better use of the runways, a benefit that matters most during the busy summer season.

Outlook for development

Since both companies already own route networks and partnership agreements with airlines, the joint venture could become a platform for further expansion. In the coming years we can expect new joint initiatives in digitalisation, such as a single online‑check‑in system and a unified mobile app for all three airports.

Potential risks and challenges

Despite the obvious upside, merging competing players always brings complications. Management decisions will have to be coordinated, responsibility for investment projects divided, and financial flows kept transparent. Moreover, Domodedovo’s debt burden remains large, and its gradual repayment will demand strict expense discipline.

Bottom line

The deal between Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo to co‑manage Domodedovo is a rare example of rivals joining forces for mutual benefit. Vnukovo’s capital injection, operational experience and the backing of a major lender create conditions for stabilising and growing one of Russia’s biggest airports. If everything goes as planned, passengers will enjoy a more comfortable experience and Moscow’s aviation infrastructure will strengthen its position on the international stage.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, frequentflyers.ru.