Ukrainian drone strikes trigger widespread flight delays and cancellations across Russian airports

In the early hours of Friday, a drone attack prompted Rosawiazija to stop all take-offs and landings in Wolgograd, with the alert spreading to Kazan where several departures and arrivals were delayed. Across Russia, major hubs including Moscow’s Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo, Saint Petersburg, Sochi and Krasnodar experienced dozens of cancellations and long delays, some without clear reasons. The surge follows President Volodymyr Zelensky’s warning that Russian airspace is “completely unsafe,” a statement that led carriers like Air Tanzania to halt Moscow flights and Pegasus Airlines to briefly suspend routes.

On the day after Zelensky’s remarks, five airports recorded a record 169 lost flights, according to Nowaja Gaseta Europa. Analysts note that repeated airport shutdowns threaten Russia’s vast domestic travel network, vital given the country’s size, and could have noticeable economic effects. Passengers are increasingly turning to trains, and online forums discuss compensation rights amid the growing chaos.