Moscow Airport Sells for Half Off, a Sign of Russia’s Global Isolation

Domodedovo Airport, once Moscow's primary international gateway, was sold at half price to Sheremetyevo Airport after the Russian government received no bids at the initial $1.7 billion asking price. The sale highlights Russia's international isolation and weakened economy following the invasion of Ukraine. The airport's decline began with the pandemic and worsened with international sanctions, leading to suspended flights and a significant drop in passenger traffic. The Russian government seized Domodedovo from a private owner, citing its strategic importance and nationalized it. The airport was saddled with debt and its new terminal, opened in 2023, is now largely empty.