Two Russian airliners were forced to return to their departure airports within a day of each other due to engine failures. The latest incidents renew concerns about the safety and maintenance of the country’s aviation fleet.
In 2024, the number of recorded aviation accidents in Russia reached a six-year high. As of the end of November 2024, 208 incidents had been recorded. This represents a rise of 30% over the same period of 2023.
Recent Engine Failure Incidents
The first of the two recent incidents occurred on 3 January 2025, and involved a Ural Airlines Airbus A321neo flying from Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to Yekaterinburg, Russia. The aircraft reportedly experienced a left-hand engine failure at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet (4,500 metres). Flight crew elected to make a precautionary return to Sharm el-Sheikh.
The following day, a NordStar Boeing 737-800 flying from Yekaterinburg to Volgograd, Russia, also suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The pilots were able to carry out a direct return to the origin airport in Yekaterinburg.
According to a report by the Moscow Times, both airlines have grounded the affected Russian airliners for technical inspections.
These incidents come amid heightened scrutiny of Russian aviation safety in the period since the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Western sanctions imposed on Russia have severely impacted the country’s aviation industry, cutting it off from parts and support from Western manufacturers. This has led to concerns about the ability of Russian airlines to maintain their aircraft.
Western-imposed sanctions have significantly disrupted the industry’s supply chains, hindering access to critical components, maintenance services, and technological advancements.
Challenges Faced by Russian Commercial Air Operators
Aircraft Shortages
Western sanctions have barred the sale, lease, and maintenance of Western-made aircraft to Russian airlines. This has led to a significant reduction in their fleets, as many airlines relied heavily on Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
Spare Parts and Maintenance
The ban on Western aircraft also restricts access to spare parts and maintenance services, making it increasingly difficult to keep existing Russian airliners operational.
This has forced airlines to resort to “cannibalizing” older aircraft for parts, a practice that is unsustainable in the long term.
In 2023, the Russian government gave airlines permission to “cannibalize” aircraft by removing serviceable parts from one aircraft to install on another.
Technological Isolation
Russia’s aviation industry is now largely cut off from Western technological advancements. This limits its ability to upgrade its fleet, improve safety standards, and remain competitive in the global aviation market.
Limited International Routes
The closure of airspace over much of Europe and the restrictions imposed by Western countries have significantly reduced the number of international routes available to Russian airlines. This has severely impacted their revenue streams and limited passenger travel options.
Financial Constraints
The sanctions have also impacted the ability of Russian airlines to access international financing, making it difficult to invest in new aircraft, modernize their fleets, and maintain operations.
These challenges have forced Russian airlines to adapt and seek alternative solutions, such as increasing reliance on domestic aircraft manufacturers.
It has also meant exploring partnerships with countries like China and Iran, and developing their own maintenance and repair capabilities. However, these efforts are likely to take time and may not fully mitigate the long-term impact of the sanctions.
Summary
The specific causes of the two recent engine failure incidents have not yet been determined. Nevertheless, they renew the spotlight on challenges faced by Russian airline operations in the face of sanctions and limited access to maintenance and repair services.
It is important to note that these incidents do not necessarily indicate a systemic problem with Russian aviation safety.
However, they do underscore the need for increased vigilance and thorough investigations to ensure the continued safety of air travel in Russia.
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