Cosmos, an air carrier linked to the structure of the Russian Ministry of Defense, is actively seeking funds to cover overdue payments to shareholders, to employees, and to tax authorities. The situation was reported by Kommersant, which cites confidential sources familiar with the matter.
Sources indicate that Cosmos previously fell under the jurisdiction of Roscosmos. The Federal Air Transport Agency has urged the operator to suspend its certificate for commercial passenger operations. At present, a Yak-42 aircraft sits in Cosmos Park, and the total debt is approaching 900 million rubles. Of that amount, more than 30 million rubles are owed to Roscosmos, more than 100 million to federal tax authorities, and roughly 20 million to employees, with the remainder owed to other creditors. This breakdown underscores the limited liquidity facing the airline and the urgent need for a restructuring or fresh funding, as reported by Kommersant.
Cosmos has stressed that any decision regarding the continuation of its commercial certificate will depend on how its financial situation evolves. The company underscores that the path forward hinges on obtaining fresh financing and resolving creditor claims, a point noted in the coverage cited by Kommersant.
In December 2024 the government announced a package to support the aviation sector, with 3.5 billion rubles earmarked for airline assistance. The move reflects the broader effort to stabilize air travel in the country during a period of financial stress for several carriers, a development discussed in coverage reported by Kommersant.
Earlier reporting highlighted that flights within Russia could be at risk due to subsidy challenges. The anticipated funding and regulatory actions have raised questions about the resilience of domestic air services and the ability of state-linked carriers to maintain operations without disruption. Observers point to the potential ripple effects on routes, schedules, and employment should subsidy disbursements fall short or face delays. This context helps explain why Cosmos and other operators are seeking prompt financial support and clearer government direction, as described in Kommersant’s reporting.
The situation illustrates how finance, regulation, and national security considerations intersect in the management of defense affiliated aviation assets. Regulators have signaled a careful approach to the certification status of operators tied to state entities, while creditors and employees await a concrete plan for payment and continuity. The coming weeks are expected to bring additional details on whether new funding will enable Cosmos to resume normal operations and meet its obligations, or whether further restructuring will be required to stabilize the carrier in the months ahead.