Russia’s largest international airport, Domodedovo, is on the brink of nationalisation following a prolonged legal and political struggle between its private owners and influential Kremlin figures. The General Prosecutor’s Office has accused the airport’s shareholders of obstructing state projects, misappropriating funds, and aligning with what officials label as “aggressive Western policies.” The allegations, including the transfer of 18 billion roubles in airport profits abroad, suggest that private control of Domodedovo may soon come to an end.
Early Conflicts and the 2011 Bombing
Domodedovo’s ownership, led by businessmen Dmitry Kamenshchik and Valery Kogan, has been in conflict with state interests since the early 2000s. Key security figures—such as Nikolai Patrushev, former FSB head and current presidential adviser, and Viktor Ivanov, then-head of the Federal Drug Control Service—were reportedly advocating for Sheremetyevo Airport, a rival facility under state influence.
Tensions escalated in 2010, following a reported clash between Kamenshchik and FSB General Yuri Yakovlev. In January 2011, a terrorist attack at Domodedovo resulted in 37 fatalities. Although Islamist militants were officially blamed, some observers speculated about potential security service negligence or even involvement. Kamenshchik was subsequently scrutinised and arrested in 2016 for allegedly failing to enforce adequate safety measures that could have prevented the bombing. These charges were later dropped, but only after Domodedovo’s owners compensated victims’ families.
The Sechin Connection
Throughout the ongoing legal disputes, Moscow’s business circles have speculated about Igor Sechin’s involvement. As a close ally of President Putin and head of the state oil giant Rosneft, Sechin is believed to have exerted significant pressure on Kamenshchik. Roman Trotsenko, a former Rosneft executive and adviser to Sechin, publicly expressed interest in acquiring Domodedovo. Billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, allegedly backed by financier Mikhail Fridman, was another potential buyer. However, allegations that Domodedovo’s owners concealed assets reportedly deterred these bids.
A Temporary Respite
In 2016, influential figures—including Valentin Yumashev, former head of the Presidential Administration, German Gref, CEO of Sberbank, and Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs—intervened to secure Kamenshchik’s release and a temporary pause in legal proceedings. Reports suggest a deal was reached allowing Kamenshchik to retain control of Domodedovo for five years, with an understanding that he would later sell or partner with Kremlin-approved entities.
By December 2016, Domodedovo’s ownership was restructured, placing 90% of DME Limited under the Netherlands-based DME Stichting Administratiekantoor foundation and 10% under the Malta-based Atlant Foundation, both linked to Kamenshchik. However, Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine appears to have further complicated any potential sale or restructuring efforts.
Rotenberg, Fuel Deals, and Growing Suspicion
Arkady Rotenberg, a long-time associate of President Putin, was widely speculated to have an interest in acquiring Domodedovo through his holding company, TPS Avia. However, Rotenberg recently announced he was no longer pursuing the airport, leading observers to speculate that negotiations collapsed due to concerns over Domodedovo’s financial liabilities and alleged capital outflows.
Despite this, Rotenberg’s connection to Domodedovo remains evident. In 2022, Domodedovo established a new aviation-fuel subsidiary, Domodedovo Fuel Aero, which generated approximately 20 billion roubles (US$235 million) in revenue. Half of this entity belongs to Sergei Merkoutov, whose only previous business affiliation was with a construction firm linked to businessman Alexander Sopov—an individual with ties to Rotenberg. This intricate network of relationships has fueled speculation that Domodedovo was on the verge of being sold or partially integrated into Kremlin-affiliated interests.
A New Chapter of Nationalisation
Multiple sources indicate that Domodedovo’s nationalisation stems from failed negotiations with private buyers and renewed involvement by Russia’s security services. With the reported backing of Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov—who is closely associated with the Federal Security Service (FSB)—the airport now faces possible transfer to state control or an entity favored by the Kremlin. One leading contender is Roman Trotsenko, a known associate of Igor Sechin.
If nationalisation proceeds, Domodedovo will join the growing list of major Russian assets being absorbed into state-aligned control. For Kamenshchik and Kogan, once celebrated for transforming Domodedovo into one of Russia’s most efficient airports, the question remains whether a last-minute deal with Kremlin-connected interests might allow them to retain some stake—or whether they will face legal consequences for the billions allegedly transferred abroad.
