Drone strike halts operations at 13 airports in southern Russia

Operations at 13 airports in southern Russia have been suspended after a drone crashed into an administrative building belonging to the regional air navigation service, the Russian Transport Ministry said.

According to the ministry, staff at the “Air Navigation of Southern Russia” branch are safe.

“Operations at the airports of Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Sochi, Stavropol, and Elista have been temporarily suspended,” the ministry said.

Specialists are currently adjusting air traffic management procedures and assessing the operational status of equipment, the ministry added. The Transport Ministry and Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, are working with airlines and airports to revise flight schedules.

Updated information on the resumption of airport operations is expected by 11:00 Moscow time.

By Tamilla Hasanova