Supreme Court upholds fine for Pulkovo over discrimination

The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation has recognized as lawful the administrative fine for the company «Air Gates of the Northern Capital» (VVSS), which operates St. Petersburg«s Pulkovo Airport. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) held the operator accountable for creating discriminatory conditions for the low-cost carrier Pobeda.

The basis for the inspection was an application submitted in 2023 by the service company «U-T-G Holding», representing the interests of the airline. The company requested standard access to airport infrastructure, including check-in counters and passenger boarding areas.

As a natural monopoly, the airport operator is obliged to ensure equal conditions for all carriers. However, according to the FAS, VVSS refused to consider the application, citing formal deficiencies such as the lack of a list of aircraft types. In October 2024, the regulator issued a ruling imposing a fine of 250 thousand rubles (about $2,600 at current rates).

The airport operator challenged the FAS decision in arbitration courts. Three instances of the Moscow District consistently confirmed the legitimacy of the antimonopoly service«s actions, and the Supreme Court rejected the final appeal, concluding the legal dispute.

According to Pulkovo«s press service, the Supreme Court upheld the fine, but on the issue of discrimination, the St. Petersburg City Court ruled in favor of the airport. It is also clarified that the legal proceedings are being conducted with the service company »U-T-G Holding«, and not directly with the airline Pobeda.