Passengers on a regional flight in Russia were unexpectedly forced to travel on a cargo plane fitted with makeshift seating, highlighting the impact of sanctions and aircraft shortages. On January 22, 2026, travelers booked on IrAero flight RD382 from Irkutsk to Mama arrived to find their scheduled Antonov An-24 passenger plane had been replaced with an An-26 freighter, adapted with folding sidewall seats and luggage strapped down the center aisle.
The Incident and Investigation
The East Siberian transport prosecutor’s office is investigating the airline for failing to notify passengers about the aircraft substitution, which violates IrAero’s own terms of service. Passengers, including children, were left to sit in these improvised conditions during the flight. IrAero defended the change by stating that the An-26 is a certified “combi” variant, capable of carrying both passengers and cargo.
Background: Sanctions and Russian Aviation
This incident is a direct consequence of Western sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. These measures, including export controls on aircraft parts and maintenance services, have severely restricted Russia’s access to modern aviation technology. As a result, Russian airlines are increasingly reliant on aging domestic aircraft—some of which have had their operational lifespans extended beyond standard limits.
The An-26, originally designed as a military transport, has been converted into a passenger configuration due to the scarcity of suitable regional aircraft. Russia’s ability to maintain its fleet has been compromised, forcing airlines to resort to unconventional solutions.
A Global Problem of Overbooking and Safety
While extreme, this situation is not unique. Airlines worldwide have faced incidents of overbooking and unsafe conditions. Pakistan International Airlines has flown passengers standing in the aisle for long-haul flights, and in one case, a British family was forced to sit on the floor for a 900-mile journey. Even major carriers like El Al and Delta have accidentally departed with more passengers than available seats.
The Russian case is distinct, though, because it isn’t simply overbooking. It’s a structural problem caused by sanctions and the resulting inability to maintain a modern fleet.
Conclusion
The IrAero incident is a stark illustration of how geopolitical tensions and economic restrictions can directly affect civilian air travel. The forced use of modified cargo planes underscores the increasing pressure on Russian airlines to operate with limited resources, potentially compromising passenger safety and comfort. The situation is not isolated—overcrowding and improvised solutions are recurring issues in the global aviation industry, but Russia’s case is compounded by external political and economic factors.
