Disruptions in air travel cause difficulties for approximately 60,000 travelers, with flights being called off or delayed.
Flight chaos sweeps Russian airports, disrupting over 350 flights and stranding at least 60,000 passengers according to the Association of Tour Operators (ATOR).
By Wednesday morning, several Russian airports saw temporary shutdowns due to increased drone attacks from Ukraine. Airports in Kirov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Tambov halted operations. Temporary restrictions were also imposed in the airports of Kazan and Nizhnekamsk. Moscow's Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports also ceased operations and warned of potential schedule changes, including flight delays and rerouting of aircraft to alternate airfields.
"Aeroflot" alone cancelled more than 130 flights to and from Moscow, impacting the departures of these flights as well as the plans of 60,000 passengers, ATOR observed. They also noted that planes that didn't arrive on schedule may face further delays on subsequent trips.
In times like these, ATOR advises passengers to keep a close eye on their flight schedules and reach out to airline representatives with any questions or concerns.
As the nation prepares for Victory Day celebrations, the already tense situation could have been worsened by heightened security measures.
General updates show that the disruptions have primarily affected Moscow's airports, including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky, as well as St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport. Passengers have reportedly endured long delays, with some trapped on planes for hours, amidst chaotic scenes and frustrated travelers. The disruptions were primarily triggered by overnight Ukrainian drone attacks or threats which necessitated airspace restrictions. Airlines implementing safety measures by cancelling or consolidating flights have also contributed to these disruptions.
- Due to increased drone attacks from Ukraine, airports in Nizhny Novgorod, Kirov, Tambov, Kazan, and Nizhnekamsk temporarily halted operations.
- The disruptions in Russian airports, caused by drone attacks and subsequent airspace restrictions, affected over 350 flights, stranding at least 60,000 passengers.
- Aeroflot alone cancelled more than 130 flights to and from Moscow, impacting the departures of these flights and the plans of 60,000 passengers.
- In the midst of war-and-conflicts and heightened politics, passengers are advised to closely monitor their flight schedules and contact airline representatives for any queries or concerns as general news continues to unfold.
