Drone Attacks Cause Chaos in Russian Skies, Affecting Sochi Flights
Flights Delayed and Restricted Cause operational disruptions at Sochi Airport
On a tumultuous May 7th, flights bound for Sochi from Moscow experienced delays due to a series of drone attacks. Amidst the chaos, performers from local folk ensembles entertained stranded passengers at both the resort city and capital airports.
Following an emergency meeting, the Ministry of Transport and Rosaviatsiya took special measures to oversee air traffic control management. Federal agencies advised airline and airport managers to adopt fair pricing policies, provision adequate emergency resources, bolster staff reserves, and expeditiously notify passengers of any flight changes. These recommendations were made public via the Ministry of Transport press service.
Aeroflot and Rossiya airlines announced refunds for all flights canceled on May 6th and 7th. Automatic refunds were promised to passengers who purchased tickets online or at the airline's sales offices. Those who acquired tickets from travel agencies were urged to contact the point of sale for their refunds, as per Aeroflot's press service.
According to Kuban 24, an evening rocket alert on May 6th prompted the temporary closure of Sochi Airport's airspace. The temporary restrictions were imposed from 22:03 to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft.
The Attacks Unfurl
In a turbulent 2025, Ukraine escalated its conflict with Russia by orchestrating drone strikes against several Russian defense industry sites, such as the Fiber Optic Systems plant in Saransk, the Bazalt plant in Krasnoarmeysk, Moscow Oblast, and the Splav plant in Tula[1][3]. These strikes resulted in extensive property damage and created a domino effect, significantly disrupting air travel in the Moscow region.
Disruptions Across Moscow Airports
The repeated airport closures that followed served as a testament to the uncertainty and potential danger posed by the drone attacks [2][4]. The centralized nature of Russian air travel through Moscow meant that any disruptions there would ripple outwards, affecting travel plans to various destinations, including Sochi.
Russia Responds
Russia claimed to have shot down 524 Ukrainian drones during the attack[4], showcasing a robust military response to the drone incursions. These drone strikes marked the largest wave of such attacks since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 [4].
Despite the challenges, Russian air travel continued to hum along, though with more turbulence than usual. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.
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[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/drone-attacks-hit-russian-defense-industry-sites-ukraine-says-2025-05-07/[2] https://www.deutschewelle.com/en/world/怪奇夢願-奧地利那里的下一個歐洲大城市-10966959[3] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/07/ukraine-claims-drone-attacks-on-russia-s-military-sites-a78225[4] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58808608
Passengers affected by the drone attacks in Russian skies were advised to be informed about any flight changes due to increased delays, especially for flights bound for Sochi. In response to the disruptions, Aeroflot and Rossiya airlines offered refunds for flights canceled on the 6th and 7th of May. Travelers who purchased tickets online or at the airline's sales offices were promised automatic refunds, while those who acquired tickets from travel agencies were urged to contact the point of sale for their refunds. The General News and Crime & Justice sections of various media outlets continued to cover the escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia, reporting on the recent drone attacks on Russian defense industry sites.
