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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Pjotr Sauer

Russians paying £25,000 for seats on private planes after war mobilisation

Private jet at airport
EU and UK sanctions on Russia prohibit the leasing or insuring of aircraft for use in Russia, limiting supply. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Demand for seats on private jets has boomed in Moscow after Vladimir Putin ordered the first mobilisation since the second world war and wealthy Russians look for a way out of the country amid reports that authorities plan to close the borders to men of mobilisation age.

Passengers are said to be predominantly heading to Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan, which allow Russians visa-free entry. They are paying between £20,000 and £25,000 for a seat on a private plane, while the price to rent an eight-seater jet ranges from £80.000 to £140,000, which is many times more expensive than the normal fare.

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