Rostov’s “Azimuth” and the Rise in Aviation Fuel Prices: How It Will Affect Summer Trips to Southern Russia

What caused the rise in jet‑fuel prices

In early June the main supplier for the airline Azimuth announced a cut of about one‑third in its deliveries, citing force‑majeure circumstances at oil‑refining plants. At the same time alternative suppliers were unable to fill the gap. As a result, average purchase prices across the country rose by more than 17 %, and at Makhachkala Airport the price of a tonne of fuel jumped almost 1.5 times.

The key driver of the price increase was domestic restrictions: from 1 June to 30 November the government imposed a ban on the export of aviation kerosene to keep it on the home market. In addition, several regions introduced limits on the sale of automotive fuel, which put extra strain on logistics and added further costs.

How it affected Azimuth’s operations

Azimuth, in a letter to the Association of Air Transport Operators (AETO), warned of possible widespread disruptions on routes in the Southern Federal District and the North Caucasus. The airline’s main hubs – Rostov‑on‑Don, Krasnodar, Anapa, Mineralnye Vody, Sochi and Makhachkala – serve the bulk of summer tourists, so any hiccups could impact vacation plans.

Reduced deliveries and higher prices create a risk of flight cancellations or significant delays. The carrier is also obliged to provide passengers with meals, water and, for long waits, hotel accommodation if the delay exceeds the legally defined thresholds.

What travelers should keep in mind

1. Monitor flight status – check the airline’s official website or mobile app a few hours before departure.
2. Have a plan B – consider alternative ways to travel (other airlines, ground transport) and clarify refund or re‑booking conditions in advance.
3. Know your rights – for delays beyond the permitted time the airline must offer food, drinks and, if needed, lodging. Keep all receipts for possible reimbursement.
4. Factor in seasonality – summer demand for flights to southern resorts is high, which raises the chance of overloaded schedules and subsequent disruptions.

Outlook and possible government measures

The Association of AN‑2 Aircraft Operators is already drafting a proposal for state regulation of aviation kerosene prices, as the sector faces a fuel shortage. Additionally, discussions are underway about using automotive gasoline in light aircraft as a temporary measure until supplies stabilise.

No concrete decisions have been made yet, but officials are expected to look for ways in the coming weeks to ease the shortage and curb price growth, aiming to prevent large‑scale disruptions in the tourist flow to Russia’s south.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.