Russia’s antitrust agency warns Izhevsk airport operator over check-in fees

The regulator said an additional charge for passenger and baggage check-in could impose unfavorable contract terms on airlines.

Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) issued a warning to Izhavia JSC, the main operator of Izhevsk Airport. The agency said the company had listed access to its automated passenger and baggage check-in system among additional paid services.

The FAS said check-in costs should be included in the basic airport handling tariff, which is regulated by the state. It found signs that the operator may have been imposing unfavorable contract terms on airlines. The Transport Ministry supported the agency’s position. If the warning is not followed, the FAS may open an antitrust case.

The warning concerns airport services. Izhavia airline stopped commercial flights on August 1 after Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency revoked its operator certificate, Vedomosti and Kommersant reported.