In the midst of stringent sanctions imposed on Russia’s aviation sector following the country’s invasion of Ukraine, a peculiar phenomenon has emerged at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow.

Passengers carrying plane parts in their luggage. This desperate measure underscores the severe challenges faced by Russian airlines in obtaining crucial components to maintain their aircraft amidst the sanctions and export controls.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Russian airlines, grappling with restricted access to new planes or parts, have turned to unconventional methods to keep their fleets operational. As reported by Business Insider, highlights the case of a Middle East company sending $1.5 million worth of goods to Russia’s S7 airline, with some of these parts clandestinely finding their way into passengers’ bags.

The situation reached a striking point in mid-2022 when airport staff in Moscow discovered a $40,000 plane part concealed in a passenger’s luggage. Astonishingly, this was not an isolated incident; it was one of eleven similar occurrences reported that year, all documented in customs forms.

The parts, destined for S7, shed light on a broader trend wherein Russian airlines are sourcing components through a vast network of small suppliers, many of which are based in the United Arab Emirates.

The impact of these sanctions on Russia’s aviation industry is palpable. Customs data analyzed by the Financial Times reveals a drastic decline in imports of plane parts by S7 and its subsidiaries, plummeting from over $100 million a month in December 2021 to less than $25 million a month by April 2022.