Moscow's four airports restrict flights during repeated drone attacks

Since 9 Oct 2026 · Checked 25 Oct 2026, 05:01 UTC

As of 24 October, Moscow's airports were still disrupted after repeated drone-related closures. Rosaviatsiya restricted all four airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky) from 2:05 pm Moscow time on 23 October; Vnukovo and Domodedovo resumed at 4:43 pm that day. On Saturday afternoon, Sheremetyevo said it was running an adjusted schedule, with delayed and cancelled flights. Aeroflot and Rossiya Airlines had cancelled and delayed some flights. No end to the disruption has been announced, and no airline suspension dates have been given.

What travellers should do

Check your flight status with your airline before leaving for the airport and allow extra time. Expect short-notice closures, delays and diversions, especially during drone alerts.

Latest updates

  1. 25 Oct 2026, 05:01 UTC

    On 24 October Sheremetyevo said it was operating an adjusted schedule with delayed and cancelled flights, and restrictions at Domodedovo and Vnukovo were reported lifted by 8:00 am.

  2. 24 Oct 2026, 23:00 UTC

    On 23 October Sheremetyevo was reported to have resumed operations after the afternoon restrictions, but repeated restrictions continue.

Your rights if your flight is affected

  • Cancelled flight: you can usually choose a full refund or a new flight, even when the cancellation isn't the airline's fault. Ask for a refund to your original payment, not just a voucher.
  • Flights departing the EU or UK, or flown by an EU or UK airline into them: on top of a refund you may be owed €250–€600 (or £220–£520) for a cancellation with less than 14 days' notice, or a delay of 3 hours or more on arrival.
  • No compensation is due for extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, security threats, airport or airspace closures and air traffic control strikes. Strikes by the airline's own staff usually do count.
  • While you wait, airlines covered by EU and UK rules must provide meals and, if needed, a hotel. Keep receipts for anything you pay yourself.

Airports affected

Airlines affected

Sources: Drone attacks shut all four Moscow airports for second time in two days (AeroTime), Drones On The Runway: Moscow Airports Hit By Chaos (Charter97), Ukrainian forces strike Oryol electronics plant; drone attacks shut down Moscow airports (Kyiv Independent)

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