Kaliningrad subsidy program status

Russian airlines carried more than 125,000 passengers on Kaliningrad-Moscow and Kaliningrad-Saint Petersburg routes within the framework of Kaliningrad subsidy program for the first four months. According to Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviatsia, since April 15, 2015, RUB269 million ($4.09 million) was spent for subsidies, 64% of its budget of RUB420 million.

The program started will continue through Oct.15, 2015. Six airlines take part in the subsidy program: Aeroflot, Transaero, Ural Airlines, UTair, S7 Airlines and Red Wings Airlines.   

It is expected that 190,000 passengers will be carried within its framework, down 14% from the year-ago period; 150,000 will be carried on Kaliningrad-Moscow, and 40,000 on Kaliningrad-Saint Petersburg.

Russian authorities launched the Kaliningrad subsidy program in 2011. Kaliningrad is a Russian exclave situated west of the country and does not border the main territory. It is surrounded by Poland and Lithuania.