In 2022, the overall volume of air cargo traffic in Russia, including postal shipments, declined sharply by 59.42 percent, totaling 599.05 thousand tons. This figure appeared in reports from RBC’s online edition, which highlighted how the nation’s air transport sector faced a sustained downturn in freight activity during that year. The drop is part of a broader pattern observed across different modes of transport, reflecting shifts in demand, global supply chains, and the impact of external factors on commercial aviation and logistics networks.
Analysts noted that Russian air carriers operated at cargo levels comparable to those seen at the start of the millennium. The cargo volume in 2022 reached a point resembling the 2001 trough when the industry moved about 614 thousand tons, still marginally above the 2000 level of 547 thousand tons. This comparison underscores a significant contraction from later peak years, even as it suggests a partial recovery relative to the more challenging historical baseline. Market observers caution that year-to-year volatility in global trade and regional restrictions can produce such oscillations in freight throughput, with implications for airline profitability and supply chain resilience.
Passenger traffic mirrors the broader downturn, with Russian airlines reporting a 14.21 percent decrease in traveler numbers for the year, totaling 95.21 million passengers. The drop in passenger volumes aligns with slower international travel, domestic route adjustments, and evolving consumer behavior in the wake of ongoing health and economic concerns. Industry stakeholders emphasize that maintaining passenger confidence and route viability remains a priority as carriers plan network adjustments, fleet utilization, and pricing strategies to stabilize revenues.
Official statistics from Rosstat reveal a related trend in the cargo handling performed by Russian shipping companies. In 2022, the total amount of freight moved by sea transport slid by 1.2 percent to 7.95 billion tons. Analysts attribute part of this decline to reductions in rail deliveries, which fell by 3.7 percent to 1.24 billion tons, and to a 6 percent drop in pipeline transportation, down to about 1.1 billion tons. The interconnected nature of these modes means shifts in one corridor can ripple through the overall logistics ecosystem, influencing costs, transit times, and capacity planning for both domestic and international customers.
From a cross-border perspective, the first half of February brought attention to cargo activity along the Russia–China border. The press service of the Consulate General of Russia in Harbin reported that January marked a record month for cargo transportation on this frontier, signaling a moment of heightened throughput and renewed emphasis on bilateral trade. Observers note that border logistics often serve as barometers for broader regional commerce, offering a glimpse into how geopolitical and economic developments are shaping the movement of goods between these two large markets. [Source: Consulate General of Russia in Harbin; trade statistics agencies; RBC coverage]