Drone attack disrupts flights across southern Russia

Russian authorities have closed airspace over the country’s southern regions following a drone strike on a key air traffic control facility in Rostov-on-Don, significantly disrupting civilian aviation.

The strike targeted a regional air traffic control centre that manages up to 2,000 civilian flights per day, including around 1,000 transit flights, underscoring the scale of potential disruption. 

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), cited by Russian media, the airspace over southern Russia will remain closed to civilian aviation until 23:59 on May 11. The restrictions extend to transit flights passing through the affected zone en route to other countries.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates that air traffic over southern Russia has effectively been suspended. The Russian Ministry of Transport has warned that flight programs to the region will be reduced.

Authorities are currently assessing the damage to the regional air traffic management centre in Rostov-on-Don to determine how quickly operations can be restored.

Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin has instructed officials to arrange alternative transportation, including trains and buses, to evacuate passengers from affected airports.

Operations have been suspended at 13 airports across southern Russia: Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Sochi, Stavropol, and Elista.

According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, more than 80 flights have already been delayed or cancelled, leaving approximately 14,000 passengers waiting for departure.

By Tamilla Hasanova