Over 280 flights have been terminated at Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Nizhny Novgorod airports, with an additional 106 experiencing delays.
Russian airports are experiencing a significant number of flight cancellations and delays, affecting numerous travelers. The disruptions are primarily due to restrictions imposed to ensure flight safety amid Ukrainian drone attacks and unfavourable weather conditions.
The Russian Defense Ministry has reported numerous drone incursions, with around 120 drones being shot down between July 5 and 6. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that six drones were shot down approaching the capital, with additional drones intercepted near St. Petersburg and Kaluga. These attacks have prompted temporary suspension or restriction of flight operations at several airports for safety reasons.
By the evening of July 6, approximately 400 flights were canceled or delayed in total. This includes 171 flights canceled at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, 90 at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo, and 26 at Nizhny Novgorod’s Chkalov airport, among others. Airports in Ivanovo, Kaluga, Pskov, and Tambov temporarily suspended operations altogether.
In addition to drone threats, strong winds and adverse weather have contributed to the disruptions, further complicating flight safety and airport operations. These restrictions have led to long passenger queues and significant disruption in air travel. Authorities are advising travelers to consider rail alternatives, especially between Moscow and St. Petersburg, where there is a well-developed train connection.
Despite these challenges, Russian transport authorities and the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) state that the situation remains under control, with measures in place to manage airport operations under these difficult conditions.
[1] https://tass.com/russia/1303356 [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61850194 [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-shot-down-120-drones-since-start-ukraine-offensive-2022-07-06/ [4] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/07/06/russia-says-it-shot-down-dozens-of-drones-over-moscow-amid-ukraine-offensive-a77780
- The drone incursions and unfavorable weather conditions have significantly impacted the lifestyles of travelers, causing delays and cancellations in their travel plans.
- The adverse weather conditions, apart from the drone threats, have led to a complex situation for flight safety and airport operations, resulting in long queues and major disruptions in air travel.
