Sheremetyevo signs historic deal to acquire struggling Domodedovo Airport.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Sheremetyevo signed a deal to buy Domodedovo Airport for 66 billion rubles; the move aims to rescue the debt-ridden hub and stabilize Russian aviation.
Key Takeaways
- •Sheremetyevo acquires Domodedovo for 66.13 billion rubles via Dutch auction.
- •Domodedovo faces 75 billion rubles in debt and annual losses.
- •Passenger traffic fell 11% in 2025 due to airline engine issues.
- •Sberbank will facilitate a comprehensive financial recovery program.
Sheremetyevo International Airport has signed a major deal. It will buy Domodedovo Airport through its subsidiary, Perspektiva LLC. This agreement marks a huge shift for Moscow.
Mikhail Vasilenko leads Sheremetyevo. He noted the hard work ahead. Domodedovo currently loses 10 billion rubles every year. It also carries 75 billion rubles in debt.
The purchase price was 66.13 billion rubles. This happened through a Dutch auction process. The price dropped 50% from the start. Sheremetyevo used its own funds for this.
Background on the Sale
The state seized the airport last year. A court ruled against the former owners. It claimed they sent profits abroad illegally. Now, the state is consolidating these assets.
Passenger numbers at Domodedovo are falling. In 2025, traffic dropped by 11 percent. Only 13.9 million people used the airport. Major airlines faced technical fleet problems.
S7 Airlines and Ural Airlines are key carriers. They struggle with Airbus A320neo engine repairs. This has limited their flight schedules.
Recovery and Future Outlook
Sberbank will help with the recovery. They are a long-time partner of Sheremetyevo. The bank supports this strategic move. They want to improve the aviation hub.
The new owners must fix the structure. They aim to reach a break-even point. Improving service quality is also a priority. The state will monitor the recovery program.
Industry experts watch this deal closely. Consolidating Moscow's airports could improve efficiency. However, the debt burden remains a risk. The hub's future depends on passenger growth.
- Sheremetyevo bought the airport for 66.13 billion rubles.
- Domodedovo has 75 billion rubles in debt.
- Sberbank will support the financial turnaround plan.
- Fleet issues at major airlines hurt recent traffic.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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