Drone threats force temporary flight suspensions at Russian airports

Several airports in Russia have suspended or restricted operations due to security concerns linked to ongoing UAV activity, Rosaviatsiya announced.

According to the agency, cited by Russian media outlets, Nizhnekamsk Airport halted both arrivals and departures, while Kazan and Gelendzhik airports introduced similar restrictions. Rosaviatsiya explained that the measures were taken “to ensure flight safety.”

The restrictions follow a series of drone attacks in different regions of the country. On the night of September 23, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that 11 unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted and shot down over the Moscow region.

In addition to the three airports, Saratov and Samara airports also suspended flights due to the UAV threat.

Rosaviatsiya later clarified that Saratov Airport resumed operations about four hours after the suspension, while restrictions at Samara Airport remain in place.

By Tamilla Hasanova