Aircraft Diverted from Volgograd Airport to Reserve Airfields Due to Restrictions
News Article: Flight Delays and Airline Obligations in Russia
Recent events at Volgograd International Airport have highlighted the importance of safety measures in civil aviation flights. Temporary restrictions were enforced at the airport, but the specific details about the investigation are yet to be disclosed.
The restrictions, confirmed by Artem Korenyako, the official representative of Rosaviation, have now been lifted. This information was reported through the official's Telegram channel. It is worth noting that two aircraft were rerouted to alternate airfields during the temporary restrictions.
In such situations, airlines in Russia are expected to follow specific guidelines regarding passenger care. According to the Ministry of Transport, these guidelines include providing accommodation, catering, and access to mother and child rooms for citizens with children under seven years old. If the delay exceeds two hours, passengers should receive drinks, and if it exceeds four hours, they should be provided with hot meals.
While there is no specific mention of mother and child rooms in the provided sources, airlines are typically expected to provide reasonable care to passengers. In many international airports, mother and child rooms are available to support families.
Recent system outages, such as those experienced by Aeroflot, can lead to significant disruptions, including delays and cancellations. In such cases, airlines typically work to minimize disruptions and restore services promptly.
Passengers in Russia may not have the same level of protection as those in the EU, where specific regulations like EU 261/2004 provide clear guidelines on compensation and care. However, airlines may still offer support based on their policies and customer service standards.
For flights involving international routes, the Montreal Convention provides a framework for passenger rights, including compensation for delays and cancellations. However, this does not directly address specific facilities like mother and child rooms.
Last week, several flights were delayed at airports in Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Novokuznetsk, Norilsk, and Tomsk. The crews of the aircraft, air traffic controllers, and airport services took all necessary measures to ensure safety during these temporary restrictions.
In summary, while there are general expectations for airline obligations during delays, specific regulations in Russia might not fully align with those in the EU or other regions. Airlines generally aim to provide care and support, but the extent of this can vary based on their policies and local practices.
