Russia activates “carpet” airspace closure at Vladikavkaz airport

Authorities have activated the “Carpet” protocol at Russia's Vladikavkaz Airport, regional head Sergey Menyailo announced on his Telegram channel. 

He said the measure was introduced as part of a broader state of emergency declared in the republic, adding that mobile communications and internet services could experience slowdowns as a result, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Menyailo, the regional operational headquarters is working around the clock and taking all necessary steps to ensure the security of residents and the protection of strategic facilities.

The “Carpet” plan is a standard aviation security procedure that closes airspace to all aircraft when conditions threaten flight safety. Such situations may include abrupt weather changes or unauthorized entry into controlled airspace by foreign aircraft.

When the protocol is triggered, air traffic controllers alert civilian pilots over designated radio frequencies, while air defence officials issue corresponding orders through military communication channels.

By Sabina Mammadli