The Russian Ministry of Transport has issued Order No. 341 dated October 15, 2025, which introduces significant amendments to the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR-82) governing the carriage of passengers and baggage. The document comes into force on March 1, 2026, and it is crucial for airlines to prepare their internal processes and documentation for the new requirements well in advance.
We have analyzed all 48 pages of amendments and highlighted the key changes that will impact your daily operations and passenger service.
🛫 Passenger Rights During Flight Delays Clarified
The rules have become more specific, detailing what, when, and how airlines must provide services when a flight is delayed or cancelled (for any reason, including weather or aircraft malfunction).
Clear Starting Point. The waiting period starts from the departure time stated on the passenger's ticket.
Drinking Water. If the wait for boarding exceeds 2 hours, water must be provided no later than one hour after that threshold is reached.
Hot Meals. For delays exceeding 4 hours, passengers must be offered hot meals within the next two hours. Subsequently, meals must be provided every 6 hours during the daytime and every 8 hours at night.
Hotel Accommodation. If a delay exceeds 8 hours during the day or 6 hours at night, passengers must be accommodated in a hotel within two hours after that period elapses.
Important Note: All these services are provided free of charge to the passenger. Airlines may issue vouchers or meal tickets redeemable at airport restaurants.
📝 New Refund Rules: When is a Passenger's Refusal Considered Forced?
The list of situations where a passenger's refusal to fly is considered "forced" (involuntary) has been expanded. In these cases, the passenger is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price. New reasons include:
🧑🍼 Special Attention to Children: Seats Next to Parents
The new rules strengthen the rights of passengers traveling with children.
Adjacent Seats. Airlines are obligated to provide adjacent seats (in the same row, not separated by an aisle) for a child under 12 and the accompanying adult. If a passenger buys a ticket after check-in has started and no such seats are available, the carrier must offer other available free seats. No additional fee may be charged for this.
Information on Child Travel. When booking, passengers will now be clearly informed about the rules for carrying infants under 2 without a separate seat and how to designate an accompanying passenger for a child if multiple adults are traveling together.
📱 Mandatory Information at the Time of Booking
Carriers or their agents are now required to provide passengers with significantly more information during the booking process. The mandatory list now includes:
💼 Other Key Takeaways
Carry-on Luggage. The list of items that can be carried free of charge in addition to the carry-on allowance has been updated. For example, a backpack or handbag is now explicitly mentioned alongside a briefcase. Clarifications have also been added regarding duty-free goods, medications, and mobility aids for persons with disabilities.
Transport Security. The term "aviation security" has been replaced with "transport security" throughout the regulations, aligning the document with current federal law.
Airlines will need to update their own rules, adjust booking IT systems, and conduct staff training
We have analyzed all 48 pages of amendments and highlighted the key changes that will impact your daily operations and passenger service.
🛫 Passenger Rights During Flight Delays Clarified
The rules have become more specific, detailing what, when, and how airlines must provide services when a flight is delayed or cancelled (for any reason, including weather or aircraft malfunction).
Clear Starting Point. The waiting period starts from the departure time stated on the passenger's ticket.
Drinking Water. If the wait for boarding exceeds 2 hours, water must be provided no later than one hour after that threshold is reached.
Hot Meals. For delays exceeding 4 hours, passengers must be offered hot meals within the next two hours. Subsequently, meals must be provided every 6 hours during the daytime and every 8 hours at night.
Hotel Accommodation. If a delay exceeds 8 hours during the day or 6 hours at night, passengers must be accommodated in a hotel within two hours after that period elapses.
Important Note: All these services are provided free of charge to the passenger. Airlines may issue vouchers or meal tickets redeemable at airport restaurants.
📝 New Refund Rules: When is a Passenger's Refusal Considered Forced?
The list of situations where a passenger's refusal to fly is considered "forced" (involuntary) has been expanded. In these cases, the passenger is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price. New reasons include:
- The flight departing earlier than the time stated on the ticket.
- The flight being delayed by more than 30 minutes from the scheduled departure time.
- The passenger missing the flight due to an excessively long security screening at the airport (provided no prohibited items were found).
- The procedure for illness has also been clarified: the passenger must notify the airline before the check-in deadline for their flight ends, and the illness on the date of departure must be confirmed by medical documents.
🧑🍼 Special Attention to Children: Seats Next to Parents
The new rules strengthen the rights of passengers traveling with children.
Adjacent Seats. Airlines are obligated to provide adjacent seats (in the same row, not separated by an aisle) for a child under 12 and the accompanying adult. If a passenger buys a ticket after check-in has started and no such seats are available, the carrier must offer other available free seats. No additional fee may be charged for this.
Information on Child Travel. When booking, passengers will now be clearly informed about the rules for carrying infants under 2 without a separate seat and how to designate an accompanying passenger for a child if multiple adults are traveling together.
📱 Mandatory Information at the Time of Booking
Carriers or their agents are now required to provide passengers with significantly more information during the booking process. The mandatory list now includes:
- Rules for carrying infants under 2 without a seat.
- Procedure for selecting an accompanying passenger for a child under 12.
- Detailed information on amending the carriage contract and the applicable fees (e.g., for refund processing).
- A clear procedure for passengers who need to refuse carriage (e.g., due to illness or missing a connection).
💼 Other Key Takeaways
Carry-on Luggage. The list of items that can be carried free of charge in addition to the carry-on allowance has been updated. For example, a backpack or handbag is now explicitly mentioned alongside a briefcase. Clarifications have also been added regarding duty-free goods, medications, and mobility aids for persons with disabilities.
Transport Security. The term "aviation security" has been replaced with "transport security" throughout the regulations, aligning the document with current federal law.
Airlines will need to update their own rules, adjust booking IT systems, and conduct staff training
