The proposal outlines a plan to temporarily allow the sale of alcoholic beverages to passengers on domestic flights at Russian airports. The government has submitted a draft law to the State Duma to formalize this change, aiming to address financial pressures faced by duty-free operators and airport facilities in the wake of recent disruptions. The measure would create a limited window during which travelers could purchase alcohol at points of sale within departure lounges and near baggage claim areas, subject to the standard regulatory controls and licensing requirements that govern alcohol distribution in public spaces. The broader objective appears to be stimulating airport commerce while maintaining safety and oversight protocols appropriate for in-flight service and passenger movement in terminals. The measure would come into effect once enacted and published, with implementation details to be clarified in accompanying regulatory acts or government directives.
Historical context is essential. Duty-free operators and airport concessions suffered substantial losses during the coronavirus outbreak and subsequently faced sanctions from some foreign governments. Between 2019 and March 2023, the number of duty-free shops at airports decreased by about one-fifth, and the total volume of goods sold in these outlets fell by roughly sixty-four percent. The challenging recovery environment highlighted the vulnerability of the duty-free sector to global health events and geopolitical tensions, underscoring why policymakers are seeking targeted measures to stabilize airport revenues and preserve employment in the travel retail ecosystem. The proposed law places emphasis on preserving business viability while balancing consumer access and revenue streams for the aviation sector.
Under the current proposal, the permission to sell alcohol would apply from 30 June 2026 onward, specifically inside departure lounges and at fixed points within baggage claim areas. This staged approach allows airports to prepare for new product categories, update compliance training for staff, and ensure that age verification and responsible service measures are in place. The plan is designed to complement existing duty-free offerings and to expand the assortment available to domestic travelers without altering international duty-free operations or cross-border sales policies that already govern airport retail. As part of the regulatory framework, operators would continue to adhere to domestic alcohol licensing rules, consumer protection standards, and safety protocols applicable to retail activities inside airport facilities.
According to the Eurasian Duty Free Trade Association, the average domestic passenger expenditure in duty-free contexts currently sits at about 349 rubles. If the new policy is approved and alcohol products are added to the airport shopping mix, analysts anticipate an uplift of around 33 percent, translating to roughly 115 rubles more per transaction. This projection reflects expected changes in consumer behavior, with travelers likely to allocate a portion of their spend toward alcoholic beverages when it becomes permissible within controlled airport environments. The revenue uplift would contribute to the financial performance of duty-free shops and could influence related airport service metrics, including staffing, product assortment, and promotional activity aimed at domestic travelers.
In the explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill, officials note that if passenger volumes were to hold at the level seen in 2022, the combined effect of the new alcohol sales policy and ongoing travel activity could yield additional sector income of approximately 8.95 billion rubles. This figure helps illustrate the potential scale of impact on airport retail, the wider travel economy, and associated employment and tax contributions. The assessment is contingent on several factors, including passenger flow stability, regulatory compliance, and consumer demand trends as travel resumes its pre-pandemic pace. While the exact outcome will depend on execution and market conditions, the document signals a clear intention to bolster airport revenue while maintaining prudent oversight.
Earlier reporting had suggested that the government would begin by selectively introducing the policy in Moscow’s airport network, with phased expansion as the program proves effective and poses no new safety concerns. The development reflects a broader strategy to revitalize domestic travel commerce while ensuring that revenue streams for airports are diversified and resilient in the face of ongoing global uncertainty. Policymakers emphasize that any rollout will be accompanied by robust monitoring, enforcement, and consumer education to protect public health and to sustain responsible drinking practices across busy travel hubs.