Drone strike chaos grounds and delays hundreds of flights in Moscow

Mass disruptions were reported across Moscow’s air transport system after a large-scale drone attack on the Russian capital overnight on June 18, with more than 260 flights delayed or cancelled across four major airports, according to the Baza Telegram channel.

At Vnukovo Airport, flight operations were significantly disrupted, with 31 departures delayed, three cancelled, while three arrivals were delayed and five cancelled. Sheremetyevo Airport also faced extensive delays, affecting 67 departing flights and nearly 100 incoming services.

At Domodedovo Airport, disruptions included 27 delayed inbound flights and one cancellation, alongside 12 delayed departures and two cancellations. Zhukovsky Airport recorded fewer but notable impacts, with one departure cancelled and six arriving flights delayed.

In response to the situation, airlines urged passengers whose flights were cancelled not to come to the airports and instead process refunds or exchanges online.

Earlier on Thursday morning, June 18, all four Moscow airports — Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky — temporarily suspended operations. The measures were taken to ensure aviation safety amid the attack.

By Jeyhun Aghazada