Russia has suspended operations at Zhukovsky and Kaluga airports.
Airports in Crisis: Moscow and Kaluga Hit With Drone Attacks, Flights Halting
Exclusive Update: Airports in Moscow and Kaluga regions are on lockdown, with flights being canceled following massive Ukrainian drone strikes.
Zhukovsky and Grabtsevo airports have been hit hard this week, faced with a flurry of drone activity aimed at civil and military infrastructures in the Moscow and Kaluga regions. Aviation authorities quickly responded by suspending flight operations for safety reasons.
Things took a turn for the worse on Monday night when Ukraine sent an uninvited drone fleet to Moscow, with reports of six drones neutralized by air defense units before they could reach their targets [1]. A total of nineteen drones were detected across the city, one of which hit an apartment complex but fortunately, no injuries were reported [1].
The drone attacks represent the most significant disturbance Moscow has faced since the war began and followed earlier instances of temporary airport closures due to drone threats [1]. These attacks also targeted the Kubinka airbase near Moscow and the Shaykovka airfield in the Kaluga region, prompting the closure of Grabtsevo Airport in Kaluga [2].
The airport suspensions caused significant disruptions to flights and passenger schedules. Russia's leading airline, Aeroflot, warned passengers of potential cancellations and consolidations due to ongoing airspace restrictions [3]. As of early Tuesday, the Association of Tour Operators estimated that at least 60,000 travelers have been affected [2].
Airport officials announced Flight operations at both Zhukovsky and Grabtsevo were suspended primarily overnight and during specific windows when drone threats were detected, such as at Sheremetyevo Airport, which halted all flights twice between 1:00 and 4:07 a.m., and 4:25 to 5:30 a.m., Moscow time [3].
Officials are working tirelessly to restore operations as soon and as safely as possible. Keep a close eye on our updates for more information on the ever-evolving airport situation. In the meantime, make sure to stay alert and pay attention to any notifications regarding your travel plans.
[1] rbc.group: https://www.rbc.ru/[2] Kyiv-based Center for Countering Disinformation: https://www.mediareview.org.ua/[3] The Association of Tour Operators: https://ato.ru/
- The aerospace industry, particularly the airports in Moscow and Kaluga, have been severely impacted by recent drone attacks, resulting in finance-related challenges due to flight cancellations and travel disruptions.
- The drone attacks in these regions also have political implications, with Ukraine being accused of sending an uninvited drone fleet to Moscow, causing tension between the two countries.
- The general-news media outlets have been flooded with updates on the crisis, reporting on the ongoing disruptions at airports, the neutralization of drones, and the potential impact on thousands of travelers.
