Multiple flights experience delays at Sochi's airport
Sochi Airport in Russia is currently experiencing flight delays due to drone attacks, with the full schedule restoration expected to take up to two days. This incident underscores the increasing threat drone incursions pose to aviation safety and airspace management, a concern that is becoming more prevalent around the world.
The delays, affecting nearly 40 flights, have necessitated the reinforcement of services at Sochi Airport with additional staff to serve passengers and aircraft under increased load. To cater to the passengers, water dispensers and drinking fountains have been installed, and an operational headquarters has been established in the terminal for quick response to the situation.
Passengers are advised to monitor airport online boards, airline websites, or the Telegram bot @AerodinamikaBot for updates. They are also asked to pay attention to audio announcements in waiting halls. For the comfort of families with children, an additional lounge has been opened, and a mother and child room is operational.
While drone attacks at airports are still relatively rare compared to other airspace disruptions, they are on the rise. In the first quarter of 2025, the FAA recorded over 400 illegal drone incursions at U.S. airports, a 25% increase over the same period last year. These incursions have caused operational challenges and some severe disruptions.
In Russia, intensified use of drones and associated GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) jamming near airports, especially around Moscow’s major airports, led to dozens of cancellations and hours-long shutdowns of commercial flights, affecting over 60,000 passengers in a short period during events like the Victory Day parade.
Cross-border drone attacks during conflicts, such as the large-scale Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russian territory, have led to temporary flight restrictions and operational disruptions at multiple airports in Russia.
Globally, comprehensive data linking drone attacks directly to commercial flight delays at all airports are not routinely aggregated or disclosed publicly. However, the 2025 ICAO safety report highlights increased aviation safety challenges but focuses more on accidents and incidents like turbulence and GNSS interference rather than specifically reporting drone attacks as a leading cause of commercial flight delays.
In summary, drone incursions and attacks causing airport disruptions are increasing and represent a growing hazard globally, especially at certain hotspots like U.S. airports and conflict zones. The aviation industry and regulators are increasingly focused on updating counter-drone policies in response to this growing challenge.
[1] ICAO Safety Report 2025 [2] FAA Data on Illegal Drone Incursions at U.S. Airports (2025) [3] Russian Airport Disruptions Due to Drone Activity (2025) [4] Cross-border Drone Attacks and Their Impact on Russian Airports (2025) [5] Global Data on Drone Attacks and Commercial Flight Delays (2025, unpublished)
- The rise in drone attacks, such as the ones at Sochi Airport and numerous other locations globally, including US airports and conflict zones, has led to an increased focus on updating counter-drone policies within the aviation industry and by regulators.
- In light of the escalating issue of drone incursions and attacks causing airport disruptions, passengers are urged to stay informed through various channels, like airport online boards, airlines' websites, and the Telegram bot @AerodinamikaBot, for updates on potential delays or cancellations due to such incidents.
