Russian airlines have started introducing ticket discounts for children after President Vladimir Putin criticized domestic carriers for not providing affordable airfare to large families.
During Putin’s annual press conference and call-in program last week, a mother-of-five complained to the president about high prices for flights.
“You are right, there is such a problem. We are already talking about this with the relevant managers,” the Kremlin leader told the woman.
Putin said airlines have introduced “small, insignificant” discounts that fail to take into account the financial burdens parents of multiple children face when traveling.
“This practice must be stopped,” he said.
Putin later instructed the government, in coordination with domestic airlines, to “resolve” the issue of family discounts no later than Jan. 14, 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev said over the weekend that government officials held talks with airlines about the issue. Russia’s flagship airline Aeroflot, as well as Ural Airlines, announced 50% discounts for children on Monday.
The offer, which takes effect next month, only applies to children aged 2-12 and flights inside Russia. Children under 2 years old can already fly within Russia for free.
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