[88091] Extensive drone attack on Moscow: Heavy disruptions to flights and airports

Drone attack in Moscow: Dozens of unmanned aerial vehicles intercepted

A tense morning is unfolding in the Russian capital, after an extensive drone attack was directed at Moscow this morning. According to data from Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, Russia's air defense systems intercepted no fewer than 57 unmanned aerial vehicles throughout the day. Authorities reported minor damage to a shopping center in the southeast of the city, with no human casualties.

Disruptions at airports

Following the attack, severe restrictions were imposed on air operations in Moscow. Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, Zhukovsky, and Domodedovo airports closed their gates to takeoffs and landings in the early morning hours. Sheremetyevo Airport took exceptional measures by evacuating passengers, including those who were inside aircraft, to shelters in the building's parking garages, and it was reported that "passengers were not allowed into the terminals until the restrictions were lifted."

Impacts and continuation of the situation

Airline companies, including Aeroflot and Pobeda, were forced to make extensive adjustments to their schedules. According to BFM reports, dozens of flights were canceled or diverted to alternative airports, including Saint Petersburg, which received 16 flights that were intended for Moscow. The Governor of the Yaroslavl region, Mikhail Yevrayev, also ordered a short-term road closure on the route towards Moscow for security reasons.

While some of the restrictions were lifted later in the morning, the situation remains tense. Governmental and pro-Kremlin sources, such as RT and Soloviev, emphasized the effectiveness of the air defense systems, while independent Telegram channels such as "Ostorozhno, Moskva" reported on the events with an emphasis on the significant inconvenience caused to residents and passengers.