Local Russian airlines will be able to overbook flights following the adoption of a proposed rule change to the country’s Air Code by the Ministry of Transport. Today airlines are not allowed to sell more tickets than passenger seats in the aircraft operating the flight, although carriers have unofficially used overbooking.
The new rule proposes: “The contract of air transportation could be changed by the airline in case of flight cancellation or its combination with another flight to the same destination, as well as aircraft type change, route change or carrier’s inability to provide the passenger a seat at the aircraft.” That could be done “in case of safety or security reasons, at the request of state agencies in accordance with their competence and because of airline decision.”
If the carrier cannot provide transportation mentioned in the ticket, it is obliged to offer the alternative option and provide compensation, established by state aviation rules.