A Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow, initiated on the evening of December 27, paralyzed the activity of several airports in the Russian capital. In total, about 290 flights were delayed at Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo airports, RBC reports, citing online information boards. Over 80 other aircraft were redirected to backup airports.
The press service of Sheremetyevo airport announced the cancellation of 34 flights, the delay of another 32, and the redirection of 49 aircraft to other airports, between 17:00–23:45 on Saturday. At Vnukovo, during the same period, 33 flights were canceled, and about 32 aircraft were sent to alternative airports, reports the publication The Moscow Times.
Restrictions imposed under the “Carpet” plan were in effect at Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo airports until midnight. Waiting rooms were overcrowded, according to eyewitnesses. In this context, the airlines Aeroflot, Pobeda, Rossiya, and Nordwind announced adjustments to the flight schedule.
On the morning of December 28, Aeroflot reported that the process of changing the schedule continues, noting that “changes in departure times for some flights are possible”. The company clarified that not all aircraft redirected the day before have returned to Moscow. During the waiting period, passengers were provided with “assistance according to Federal Aviation Regulations”. Overall, Aeroflot plans to return to normal operation during the day on December 28.
Representatives of Vnukovo airport stated that airport employees and airline companies “are taking all necessary measures to return to the usual flight schedule and normal operation”. They also mentioned that, during the restrictions, passengers were offered free drinking water and mattresses.
Moscow Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, reported the downing of 26 drones near the capital. Restrictions on airport activity were previously introduced in the cities of Samara, Kaluga, Saratov, Yaroslavl, Ulyanovsk, and Penza, notes the cited publication.