More than 14,000 passengers are waiting for departures following the temporary suspension of operations at 13 airports across southern Russia.

The disruptions follow operational restrictions introduced after a reported Ukrainian drone strike on an administrative building linked to air traffic management in Rostov-on-Don.

More Than 80 Flights Delayed Or Cancelled

As of 10:00 on 8 May, more than 80 flights had been delayed or cancelled across the affected airports.

Most passengers impacted by the disruptions were travelling on domestic routes within Russia, although international flights have also been affected.

The association described the situation in Sochi as particularly difficult, noting that the latest disruptions are compounding major scheduling problems already affecting the airport over the past two days.

International Flights Also Impacted

At least 13 international departures involving around 3,000 tourists have already been delayed or cancelled from airports including Sochi, Mineralnye Vody, Krasnodar, Makhachkala and Vladikavkaz.

The organisation warned that the disruptions are likely to create “mirror delays” at overseas airports operating flights to southern Russia, potentially affecting international schedules in both directions.

13 Airports Temporarily Closed

Russia’s Transport Ministry confirmed the temporary suspension of operations at airports in Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Sochi, Stavropol and Elista.

The closures affect key aviation hubs serving the Black Sea coast and the North Caucasus region during a busy travel period.

Russian aviation authorities and airlines are continuing to adjust schedules as operational and security assessments remain underway.