Collapse of Iran’s repair program and systemic engine failures: Azur Air prepares for sale to Wildberries amid risk of losing its license

21 марта 2026 г.

Evgeniy Dyatlov

The conflict in Iran could completely “destroy” Russia’s already struggling largest charter airline, Azur Air.

In mid-March, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) restricted the airline’s operator certificate after engine and component failures in Azur Air aircraft were found to have become “systemic.” Following this, the airline began canceling and rescheduling flights one after another. Azur Air had previously hoped to receive “non-failing” engines for its Boeing aircraft from Iran, where it had been carrying out repairs.

However, after the outbreak of war, it became clear that Azur Air would not receive the repaired engines. Against this backdrop, the offer to purchase the airline by Wildberries, which owns its own tour operator, appears somewhat unusual. Apparently, the number of operational aircraft at Azur Air may only be sufficient for a single tour operator.

Serious problems for Azur Air began back in 2025. Its fleet consists mainly of Boeing 767 aircraft, with an average age of about 28.9 years. Due to sanctions, proper maintenance of Boeing aircraft and access to spare parts have become nearly impossible. In 2025, technical issues with Azur Air planes became increasingly frequent. As a result, by the end of the year, part of the fleet had to be grounded, leading to long flight delays and mass passenger complaints in early 2026.

At the same time, incidents continue to occur even with the remaining aircraft. On January 23, a Phuket (Thailand)–Barnaul flight made an emergency landing in China. On January 28, the same aircraft, operating a Nha Trang (Vietnam)–Irkutsk flight, diverted to Hanoi due to an oil leak. In early February, another Boeing 767 returned to Phuket because of landing gear issues. On February 27, a Boeing 767 flying from Fukuoka (Japan) to Kazan experienced an engine surge with loud bangs and flashes of flame. This list could go on.

Amid the forced reduction of its fleet, Azur Air announced a planned 10% staff cut, including pilots and flight attendants.

On March 15, Rosaviatsia restricted Azur Air’s operator certificate following findings by Rostransnadzor of systemic violations in aircraft maintenance.

Soon after, Azur Air began prematurely canceling flights to Thailand from Moscow, Samara, Ufa, Yekaterinburg, and Barnaul. The situation on other routes is no better. Passengers complain about constant rescheduling of flights between Moscow, Kazan, and Vietnam, which either shortens or extends their vacations.

Passengers’ financial losses are barely compensated. Currently, more than 40% of the airline’s flights depart with delays. Notably, the tough stance taken by Rosaviatsia and Rostransnadzor coincided with Wildberries’ offer to acquire Azur Air. The marketplace recently acquired the tour operator Fun&Sun, and interestingly, Azur Air’s summer charter program is now structured exclusively around it.

Owning an airline is an attractive asset for a tour operator. In the aviation market, an unexpected theory is being discussed regarding the situation around Azur Air. Formally, the carrier has come under heavy regulatory pressure due to mass delays, and Rosaviatsia has already threatened to revoke its operator certificate by June 8.

However, industry observers increasingly suggest that the airline’s problems may be coinciding with the interest of a major potential buyer — the marketplace Wildberries.