Unpaid fuel bills delay flights in Russia

MOSCOW, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- KrasAir pilots may need to carry cash in the future after two flights to Moscow were delayed recently when an airport refused their credit at the fuel pump.

Tomsk airport director Yevgeny Yankelevich said the Russian airline was unable to make even partial payments, Itar-Tass news service reported Thursday.

The airline alliance AirUnion "has piled up a large debt to the airport," Yankelevich said, explaining the airport has "intentionally incur(ed) losses with meals and accommodations at our own expense."

He also said passengers "should not become hostages of the situation."

Similar problems delayed flights from Tolmachyovo international airport, but planes were cleared for takeoff after the Federal Agency for State Reserves allocated fuel for AirUnion aircraft, the report said.

"In addition, the companies of the group are trying -- though partially -- to pay their debts," said airport director general Alexei Chertenkov.