Russia's Il‑114‑300 limited to specific weather, grounding many aircraft

Western sanctions have curtailed Russia's access to spare parts, new aircraft and servicing, leaving a large share of its airline fleet idle. By the end of June, 130 of the 673 aircraft operated by the country's ten largest carriers were completely out of service.

The new regional turboprop Il‑114‑300, designed to replace aging Antonov models, received certification but is permitted to fly only when the temperature is between –9 °C and 25 °C and when conditions are dry and not icy. Flights are prohibited in rain, snow, extreme cold or heat, sharply restricting its operational use. In response, President Vladimir Putin is accelerating domestic aircraft production and seeking cooperation with the Indian aviation sector to reduce reliance on foreign parts.