The Russians have explained the new conditions for refunding money for air tickets. What is known

Since March 1, 2026, updated rules for refunds for air travel began to operate in Russia, expanding the rights of passengers. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Reasons for a refund

Even if a ticket is purchased at a non-refundable rate, the passenger is entitled to a full refund in case of forced cancellation. Such situations include the cancellation or significant delay of a flight, a change in route by the airline, as well as the illness of the traveler himself or the death of a close relative. In case of illness, you will need to provide medical confirmation.

Oksana Vlasenko, an expert at Onlinetours, stressed in an interview with Izvestia that the fare does not matter if the airline is interfering with the flight.

"If the cancellation of the flight is related to the actions of the airline, the passenger is entitled to a full refund regardless of the fare. Even if the ticket was originally non—refundable," the expert explains.

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Changes in aviation regulations

The new federal aviation regulations, which came into force in March 2026, specify the cases that give the right to demand money back. Now a refund is allowed if the flight is delayed by at least 30 minutes or postponed to an earlier time. Also, the reason is the lack of a connection for a single booking.

According to Vlasenko, the new rules significantly strengthen the position of citizens in disputes with carriers.

"In addition, now, if a passenger does not show up for a flight in one direction, he retains the right to use a return ticket. Previously, air carriers cancelled all subsequent flight segments in such cases. These innovations actually enhance passenger protection. Even small changes in the schedule can give you the right to cancel the flight and refund the money," the expert noted.

Obligations of the carrier in case of flight delay

Airlines are required to provide a hotel room if the flight delay is more than eight hours during the day or more than six hours at night. The rules clearly define the boundaries: the day lasts from 06:01 to 21:59, and the night — from 22:00 to 06:00. The carrier has two hours after the threshold time to accommodate people.

If the company does not fulfill its obligations, the passenger can independently pay for the hotel and transfer, saving all receipts for subsequent collection of expenses. In such cases, travelers have the right to claim not only compensation for costs, but also compensation for moral damage through the courts.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.