Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency temporarily suspended take-offs and landings at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports on Sunday evening amid reports of approaching drones. At least 25 incoming aircraft were diverted to other airports during the disruption, while operations at all four airports resumed later that evening after the flight-safety restrictions were lifted.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that 23 drones heading towards the capital had been destroyed. The claim was not independently verified, and no damage or casualties were reported. Take-offs and landings were also briefly suspended at airports in Kostroma and Yaroslavl.
The latest interruption followed repeated restrictions across Moscow’s aviation hub in the preceding days. Overnight closures and further measures on 9 October caused extensive delays and cancellations, with more than 150 flights delayed during one earlier disruption. Airlines operating from the capital, including Aeroflot, Rossiya and Pobeda, adjusted schedules, postponed departures and moved some aircraft to reserve airfields.
Repeated short-notice closures disrupt aircraft rotations, crew positioning, arrival slots and passenger connections across Russia’s largest aviation hub. The temporary measures did not amount to a permanent airport closure, but their recurrence continued to put pressure on airline schedules and recovery operations.