Russia is experiencing one of its most challenging travel periods in recent years, as an ongoing combination of extreme weather conditions and national security threats disrupts aviation across the country. From Moscow’s busiest airports to regional transit hubs, passengers are experiencing mass delays and cancellations, forcing Russia’s tourism industry into reactive mode.
Sheremetyevo: The Hardest Hit
Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia’s busiest air hub, has recorded the most serious impact. Over 30 delays and 14 cancellations were reported in a single day, with major international and domestic airlines like Aeroflot, Etihad Airways, and FlyDubai heavily affected.
Flights to major global destinations such as Paris, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah were either delayed for hours or grounded entirely. Low visibility and wind shear caused multiple runway closures, while ground crew capacity was overwhelmed as passenger queues stretched through the terminals.
Etihad Airways experienced several delays heading to the Middle East, while FlyDubai saw multiple cancellations. Air Serbia and Rossiya Airlines, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, also struggled to maintain schedules.
Domodedovo and Vnukovo: Still Troubled
Domodedovo International Airport saw around 24 delays, largely affecting Aeroflot’s domestic operations and carriers like Air Arabia, Azerbaijan Airlines, and El Al. El Al experienced disruptions on nearly half of its departures.
At Vnukovo International Airport, about 10 delays and 6 cancellations were logged. While fewer in number compared to Sheremetyevo, these disruptions still had ripple effects. Rossiya Airlines alone faced five cancellations, impacting both leisure and business travelers.
Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg Also Faces Turmoil
Pulkovo International Airport in Saint Petersburg faced similar weather challenges. With nearly 10 delays and 9 flight cancellations, travelers heading to and from this northern city found themselves stuck in terminals with minimal updates. Red Wings Airlines and Rossiya Airlines were most affected, as flight rotations were reduced to prevent operational risks.
Regional Hubs Not Spared
Other regional airports across Russia also reported significant disruptions:
- Adler-Sochi International Airport faced 14 delays and one cancellation. Rain and strong sea winds created turbulence concerns, particularly for short-haul flights operated by FlyDubai and S7 Airlines.
- Kazan International Airport saw 5 delays and 4 cancellations, mostly impacting Aeroflot and Red Wings routes.
- Koltsovo Airport in Yekaterinburg had 20 delays and 2 cancellations, with Ural Airlines and Red Wings Airlines most affected.
- Vladivostok International Airport, located in Russia’s Far East, had 8 delays and one cancellation. Uzbekistan Airways was among the airlines impacted, along with Aeroflot and S7 Airlines.
Cybersecurity Breach Adds to Woes
In addition to natural disruptions, Russia’s flagship airline Aeroflot experienced a cyberattack that paralyzed its internal systems. This resulted in the cancellation of more than 100 flights across its network and left passengers without access to rebooking systems, online check-in, or flight status updates.
The airline confirmed that the breach affected core operations, forcing delays at Sheremetyevo and extending delays across its regional partners. Though emergency protocols were activated, the IT outage created a backlog that may take days to resolve fully.
Drone Threats and Temporary Airspace Closures
Adding to the already complex situation, the Federal Air Transport Agency enforced temporary airspace closures in several regions due to unidentified drone threats, particularly near Moscow and Saint Petersburg. For safety reasons, all takeoffs and landings were suspended during several hours over the weekend, further increasing congestion and pushing back flight schedules.
Travel Industry Reaction and Passenger Guidance
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency has encouraged passengers to check directly with airlines for updates and avoid arriving at the airport unless they have confirmed flights. Many airlines, including FlyDubai and Etihad, are offering ticket changes or refunds for affected flights.
Airport authorities have ramped up ground support services, including accommodations, food vouchers, and alternative transportation options. However, overwhelmed terminals and reduced staff availability have made real-time assistance difficult to manage.
Tourism Industry Braces for Impact
The tourism industry in Russia is feeling the heat. With thousands of tourists either delayed or unable to reach their destinations, both domestic travel companies and international tour operators are experiencing a spike in cancellations. Resort towns such as Sochi, Kazan, and Saint Petersburg are reporting lower-than-expected tourist footfall during the peak summer season.
Outlook: More Volatility Expected
While meteorological forecasts suggest a temporary improvement in weather patterns, security alerts and IT concerns remain ongoing risks. With Russia’s tourism sector heavily dependent on air connectivity, these disruptions underscore the fragility of travel infrastructure in the face of multiple simultaneous challenges.
For now, travelers are urged to exercise patience, monitor official updates, and prepare for extended delays as Russia’s aviation and tourism sectors work toward recovery.
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