The State Duma Advances Legislation on Air Taxis to Simplify Small Aircraft Transport
A new bill aimed at simplifying rules for transporting citizens by light aircraft has been developed by the State Duma. The measure, discussed by multiple industry voices, seeks to pave the way for air taxis by reducing the regulatory burden on small passenger flights. Sergei Detenyshev, who chairs the board of the Association of Small Aviation Businesses, commented on this development to kp.ru, highlighting the move as a potential turning point for Russian air travel.
Detenyshev noted that current requirements for official approval of small aircraft carrying passengers are unusually stringent. He explained that representatives from the association and lawmakers are working on two parallel bills. One would introduce the formal concept of air taxis, while the other would propose a framework for state regulation to govern this mode of transport.
According to Detenyshev, the goal is to streamline operational rules. For instance, he suggested that passenger screening and document checks could be removed or simplified in air taxis. His comparison to conventional taxi services underscores the point: typical taxi operations do not perform such checks, yet air taxis are often categorized as rural aviation. He emphasized that the standards imposed on large carriers are not feasible for small aviation fleets, given their scale and operational realities.
The expert stressed that reducing administrative hurdles would make air transport more accessible to Russians while also lowering costs. In his view, easing the regulatory pathway could broaden service reach and stimulate market activity in regional and remote areas where ground connectivity is limited.
On January 23, the editor-in-chief of the Avia.ru portal and a transportation committee expert in the State Duma, Roman Gusarov, commented on the potential price dynamics. He warned that ticket prices in Russia could rise by up to about 10 percent, cautioning that travelers should not expect cheaper air travel as a direct consequence of these regulatory adjustments. The observation highlights the complexity of balancing safety, accessibility, and affordability within the evolving regulatory framework.
Earlier discussions in the aviation sector have touched on the operational realities of modernized air services. Some industry voices have proposed that air taxi operations could leverage smaller, more adaptable airframes to connect cities and rural communities with greater efficiency. The emphasis remains on creating a practical path to certification, pilot training, maintenance standards, and insurance provisions that align with the smaller scale of air taxi fleets. As the debate continues, stakeholders point to a need for clear guidelines that protect passenger safety while unlocking new transportation options for underserved regions.
In parallel, observers note that the modernization effort may require complementary investments in infrastructure, such as regional airfields, weather information services, and streamlined air traffic management for low-traffic routes. The ultimate aim is to establish a predictable regulatory environment that supports innovation without compromising safety. The anticipated bills are seen as a step toward clarifying responsibilities for operators, regulators, and local authorities as air taxis transition from concept to service across Russia.
From a broader perspective, the move reflects a growing interest in flexible, on-demand air mobility as a complement to existing aviation networks. While the exact structure of the legislation remains subject to revision, the dialog between legislators, industry associations, and regulators signals a collaborative approach to shaping the future of light aircraft travel. Observers in Canada and the United States are watching closely, drawing lessons on how similar frameworks might support rural connectivity while maintaining high safety standards. The conversation underscores how air taxi models can influence regional development, emergency response capabilities, and economic activity in remote communities.