Against the backdrop of increased demand for airline tickets, unscrupulous tour operators continue to sell vouchers for passenger and freight flights, although they are not intended to carry passengers. tourists to countries where flights are closed. At the moment, air travel is only allowed to certain countries. Who can fly on cargo and passenger flights and how reliable is it, AiF.ru found out
What are cargo and passenger flights?
Does the airline operate cargo and passenger flights? flights to countries with which air traffic has not been restored. These flights are coordinated by aviation authorities on an as-needed basis. In accordance with the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation of March 16, 2020 No. 635-r, flights can “ be carried out under existing admissions from points of foreign states to points of the Russian Federation, to which international flights were resumed with a frequency of one flight per week. & # 39; & # 39;
Russian and foreign airlines carry out so-called cargo-passenger flights mainly for the transport of various goods, but at the same time on board & nbsp; authorize certain categories of passengers.
Before the pandemic, airlines carried cargo, mail, etc. on scheduled charter flights in the baggage and cargo compartments in the order of additional loading of aircraft operating flights on the territory of the Russian Federation and international air transport. The airlines carried out combined transport (passengers and freight on the same bridge).
Who can travel on cargo-passenger flights?
Carriage on cargo-passenger flights is only permitted for:
- foreign citizens;
- return to the homeland of compatriots;
- citizens traveling for family reunification;
- go for treatment;
- leaving for work and the like.
How are passenger and freight flights different from passenger passengers?
Unlike regular passenger flights, passenger and freight flights are operated with ad hoc authorizations: the carrier coordinates one or more flights at a time. This is due to the closed borders and the lack of regular flights. Consent to operate a passenger and cargo flight must be submitted by both Russian government agencies and the competent authorities of a foreign state.
Russia banned scheduled and charter international flights from Russian airports on March 27, 2020. At the same time, the transport of air cargo was not prohibited. Airlines have started to carry freight and passengers instead of passengers, although in fact they also carry passengers. & Nbsp;
Why can't tourists buy tickets for a cargo flight?
The Federal Air Transport Agency has repeatedly stated that passenger and cargo flights are not intended for the departure of organized tourists. Tour operators are not permitted to sell a tour package for such a flight to countries with which flights have not officially resumed. It is only possible to issue tickets for passenger and freight flights if there is a decision from the headquarters to combat the coronavirus and the authorization of the aviation authorities of foreign countries.
What is the risk of a passenger when buying a ticket for a passenger-passenger flight?
The passenger runs the risk of ending up without theft and without money. At the moment, airlines are prohibited from carrying organized groups of tourists when performing non-scheduled passenger and freight flights. And due to the fact that these flights are operated to officially closed countries, and whenever you need to get an authorization, & nbsp; there is a high risk of flight cancellation or rescheduling. If the airline does not receive approval, the flight simply will not take place.
Travelers traveling to “forbidden” may have problems with departure. country independently and without a return ticket. Those with return tickets must be taken care of by the airlines, as the decree of the Federal Air Transport Agency only prohibits the issuance of tickets for cargo-passenger flights, and not to board those who have a transport document in hand.
How to recognize a cargo-passenger flight?
Airlines make no mention of which flight is a cargo-passenger flight and which is not. Almost always the flight will be a cargo-passenger flight if it is operated to a country with which air traffic has not been restored. A passenger can only call the airline and ask for the flight status.
Where can I find out which countries have resumed flights?
The countries with which Russia has officially resumed flights are listed on the website of the federal air agencies.