Abstract The model is considered for the transfer of gas molecules through dense membranes (including polymeric and supported ionic liquid membranes), allowing for taking into account the surface processes on the feed and permeate membrane sides, as well as the external impacts on the above-mentioned processes. The conditions under which the presented approach reduces to the solution-diffusion model are discussed. The influence of resonance (e.g. laser) radiation on the passage of gas molecules through membranes is studied theoretically. The membrane separation of gas mixtures under the effect of resonance radiation on the gas-membrane system is analyzed.