“`html
Russia’s Attempt to Sell Domodedovo Airport Fails
Moscow – The Russian government’s initial attempt to auction off Domodedovo Airport has been unsuccessful, with only one bidder emerging and ultimately failing to meet the requirements for participation. The failed auction highlights challenges in attracting investment for state-owned assets, particularly given the current economic and geopolitical climate. This report details the circumstances surrounding the failed sale, potential reasons for the lack of interest, and what may come next.
Sole Bidder Falls Short
According to reports from Interfax [[1]], businessman Yevgeny Bogaty was the only applicant for the auction. However, he was unable to submit all necessary documentation, preventing him from placing a bid. Public records indicate Bogaty’s business interests lie outside of the aviation sector, owning two small businesses unrelated to airport operations.
Price and Debt Concerns
Industry analysts suggest the high asking price and substantial debt associated with Domodedovo deterred potential investors. an anonymous source cited by The Bell [[2]] indicated that the floor price of 132 billion rubles (approximately $1.69 billion USD as of January 20, 2026) for DME Holding, the company that owns Domodedovo, combined with an estimated 70 billion rubles in debt, proved to be a notable barrier to entry.
Previous Interest and Nationalization
Prior to the auction, The Bell reported interest from several major players in the Russian aviation industry, including shareholders of Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports, and also holdings linked to billionaires Viktor Vekselberg and Oleg Deripaska [[2]]. However