MOSCOW (VGMG) — Thirty-three Russian airports are now providing free drinking water to passengers in secure boarding areas, with 13 additional facilities planning to join the initiative, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) announced.
The measure addresses passenger complaints about high bottled water prices after security screening, where aviation regulations restrict liquids to containers of 100 milliliters or less. FAS stated that airports must guarantee access to clean drinking water as a basic service standard.
Water dispensers and drinking fountains have been installed across departure lounges in major hubs, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Several airports now provide free water throughout both public and restricted zones.
The rollout, which began in late 2025, is part of a broader regulatory effort to improve passenger amenities and service transparency. FAS said it will monitor compliance and extend the program to remaining regional airports.