Russia Considers Alcohol Sales in Domestic Airport Lounges and Baggage Areas

The Russian Ministry of Finance has put forward a plan to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages to travelers in departure lounges and during the baggage retrieval process at duty-free airports within Russia. This initiative, outlined by the ministry and reported on its official site, signals a shift in how alcohol services might be offered on domestic flights and at airport retail points across the federation. The proposal has been described as a formal draft, with officials indicating that the bill is prepared and awaiting the next steps in the legislative process. According to a press release from the ministry, alcohol products could be sold in airport shops to passengers traveling within Russia, a change that would apply to stores located in air terminals serving domestic routes. The aim, as described, is to provide a regulated framework for sales in these retail zones while ensuring consumer protection and compliance with existing trade rules in the aviation sector.