[70429] Flight disruptions in Russia amid drone attack and security operations

Extensive disruptions to civil aviation in Russia following security incidents

Today, May 22, 2026, Russia experienced a series of disruptions to its civil flight schedule. According to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia), temporary restrictions on departures and arrivals were imposed at Zhukovsky, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, Kazan, and Cheboksary airports. Soloviev Channel and TASS news agency, identified with a distinct pro-Kremlin line, reported throughout the day on the implementation of restrictions followed by their removal in accordance with security developments.

Simultaneous to the disruptions, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that air defense forces "shot down the fourth drone since the beginning of the day aimed at Moscow," as reported by Vesti channel. These reports highlight the ongoing security tensions and their impact on civil infrastructure in the Russian capital.

In another sector, Ragulaku channel reported on aerial incidents over the Black Sea between Russian fighter jets (Su-35 and Su-27) and a British Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft. According to the report, the British Ministry of Defence claims that the conduct of the Russian aircraft was dangerous and even led to the activation of emergency systems on the British aircraft. These sources often adopt a mocking tone toward the West.

Meanwhile, economic news was published regarding aerial cooperation, as the European cargo company Cargolux announced it would conduct technical stops for refueling and maintenance at Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Kazakhstan, as reported by Sputnik Blizhnee Zarubezhie.