Moscow–Sochi flight diverted to Grozny over UAV threat

A Ural Airlines flight from Moscow to Sochi was diverted to Grozny because of restrictions at Sochi airport linked to a UAV threat, with passengers forced to spend the night in the Chechen capital, "Ostorozhno, Novosti" reported.

Flight U6-155 departed Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 4:25 p.m. and was due to arrive in Sochi at about 8:05 p.m. Instead, the aircraft was redirected to Grozny.

Passengers told the outlet that they received no information for several hours about when the flight would resume. They also initially struggled to find hotel accommodation because no rooms were available.

At around 1 a.m., passengers were eventually taken to a hotel. They were returned to the airport in the morning and were back on board by about 8:20 a.m. The aircraft subsequently departed for Sochi and landed safely.

Passengers said several other flights were also diverted to Grozny overnight.

By Tamilla Hasanova