All four of Moscow’s major airports temporarily suspended arrivals and departures after a large-scale drone attack targeted the Russian capital, causing significant disruption to air travel and leaving thousands of passengers affected.
Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports all halted operations overnight as authorities implemented emergency safety measures in response to what has been described as the largest Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow since the start of the full-scale war.
The closures triggered widespread cancellations and delays, with airlines urging passengers to check flight statuses before traveling to the airports.
Airports Closed Twice During The Night
According to Russian aviation authorities, all four airports were suspended twice during the night of June 18 as security concerns escalated.
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency initially announced at around 8:00 a.m. that airport operations were resuming. However, within less than an hour, restrictions were reintroduced and flights were suspended once again.
The repeated closures created major operational challenges for airlines and airport operators attempting to manage passenger flows and aircraft movements.
Sheremetyevo Faces Significant Flight Cancellations
Sheremetyevo International Airport, Moscow’s busiest airport, experienced some of the most severe disruptions.
Online departure boards showed that approximately 30 scheduled departures between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. were cancelled as a result of the security measures.
Aeroflot advised passengers to monitor online flight information before traveling to the airport and instructed customers with cancelled flights to arrange refunds or rebookings remotely rather than coming to the terminals.
Passengers And Staff Moved To Shelters
As the situation unfolded, airport authorities implemented emergency procedures to protect passengers and employees.
According to reports, passengers and staff at Sheremetyevo, including individuals already onboard aircraft, were evacuated to designated safe areas. Travelers were directed to shelters while access to parts of the airport terminal was temporarily restricted.
The measures were introduced as a precaution while authorities assessed the security situation around the capital.
Support Measures For Stranded Travelers
With hundreds of passengers left waiting during the disruptions, airport authorities and aviation officials introduced support measures to assist affected travelers.
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency said airports provided mats and mattresses for stranded passengers, while drinking water stations and water coolers remained available throughout the terminals.
Special mother-and-child rooms were also opened free of charge to support families facing extended delays.
