Flights at Sochi Airport face certain limitations
Sochi Airport, located on the Black Sea coast of Russia, has temporarily suspended civilian flights due to a drone attack that hit its fuel depot on August 2-3, 2025. The attack caused a significant fire in a fuel storage tank, forcing the Rosaviatsiya (Russian civil aviation authority) to halt arrivals and departures to ensure safety[1][2][3].
Approximately 2,000 cubic meters of fuel were ignited in the drone strike, which targeted a Rosneft-operated fuel depot. Emergency services responded with significant firefighting efforts to contain the blaze. Due to the damage and proximity to the airfield, some flights departing Sochi have had to make extra fuel stops at alternate airports[2][3].
Similar temporary restrictions were previously applied at St. Petersburg Airport amid regional drone threats, indicating a broader Russian response to drone activity impacting civilian airports[1].
Yesterday, the airport in Samara temporarily suspended operations around 10:35 Moscow time, with the airport's press service announcing the restrictions[4]. No further details regarding the suspension were provided in the search results beyond the mention of St. Petersburg.
In a related development, Sochi Mayor Andrei Proshunin announced a threat of drone attacks in the city on his Telegram channel[5].
As of now, Sochi Airport continues to have temporary flight suspensions and restrictions due to fire and security concerns. Flights resume or operate with limitations when the threat level or safety measures permit[1][2][3][5]. It is essential to monitor the situation closely for updates on flight operations at both Sochi and Samara airports.
- The general-news headlines are reporting an increasing concern about drone threats within Russia, as a second airport, Samara, temporarily suspended operations, following Sochi's temporary flight suspensions due to a drone attack.
- Amidst the surge in crime-and-justice incidents involving drone attacks at civilian airports, the sports scene remains unaffected, with no official announcements of cancellations or postponements of events due to the ongoing threats.
