More than 500 flights were disrupted across Moscow’s airports after temporary operational restrictions were introduced following a large-scale drone attack targeting the Russian capital.

According to reports, approximately 527 flights were either cancelled or delayed as authorities suspended operations at Moscow’s four main airports during the early hours of Thursday to ensure flight safety.

The disruptions affected thousands of passengers and created significant congestion across airport terminals as airlines attempted to recover schedules following the temporary shutdown.

Airports Suspend Operations Following Security Alert

Operations were temporarily halted at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports on the morning of June 18.

The restrictions were introduced after Russian authorities reported a large-scale drone attack aimed at the Moscow region. According to Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 194 drones approaching the capital.

Airport operations gradually resumed later in the day, although significant delays and cancellations continued to affect airline schedules.

Sheremetyevo Suffers The Largest Impact

Sheremetyevo International Airport experienced the most severe disruption among Moscow’s airports.

Reports indicate that 50 departing flights were cancelled and 71 departures were delayed. On the arrival side, 60 flights were cancelled while another 76 experienced delays.

The scale of the disruption created operational challenges throughout the airport as airlines worked to accommodate affected passengers and reposition aircraft.

Widespread Delays At Vnukovo And Domodedovo

Vnukovo International Airport also experienced substantial disruption, with 24 departing flights cancelled and 56 delayed. For arriving passengers, 17 flights were cancelled and 77 delayed.

At Domodedovo International Airport, nine departures were cancelled and 16 delayed, while 10 arriving flights were cancelled and 56 delayed.

The disruptions extended throughout the day as airlines adjusted schedules to account for the temporary suspension of operations.

Zhukovsky Airport Also Affected

Zhukovsky International Airport reported fewer cancellations but still experienced operational difficulties.

At least four departing flights were delayed, while at least one arriving flight was cancelled.

Passengers also reported difficulties accessing real-time flight information as airport information systems experienced unusually high demand during the disruption.