Russia: VIM-Avia stops all charter flights September 25

Event

The Federal Air Transport agency reported on Monday, September 25, that VIM-Avia has stopped its charter flight services. Federal authorities are reportedly working with other Russian airlines to connect VIM-Avia passengers to their destinations. The cancelation has particularly affected flights between Moscow and cities in the Far East. At least 20 flights were reportedly delayed on Monday, prior to the cancelation announcement. Delays and cancelations are to be expected on regularly scheduled VIM-Avia routes in the coming days.

Context

On Monday, the Federal Air Transport Agency began an unannounced inspection of VIM-Avia. The company had been facing persistent, long delays due to operational constraints. It was reported on Monday that VIM-Avia could not afford the operation costs of its charter service. A criminal case has been opened against the company, on the grounds that beginning on September 22 employees continued to sell tickets for flights that they knew would be canceled.

Advice

Potentially impacted individuals are advised to verify the status of their flights during this period and to contact the airline for more information.​