Moscow airports resume normal operations after temporary flight restrictions
In short
Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports faced temporary restrictions on arrivals and departures on October 11, Russia's aviation agency said. Reports later that evening said all four had returned to normal operations.
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Temporary restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures were introduced at Moscow's Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports on October 11, Russia's aviation agency said, according to Interfax and RIA Novosti. The agency said the restrictions were necessary to ensure flight safety. Interfax reported at 22:31 that Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky had returned to normal operations, while Vnukovo and Domodedovo were operating in coordination with the relevant authorities. [ 2 , 3 , 6 ]
TASS reported at 23:14 that restrictions at Vnukovo and Domodedovo had been lifted, citing the aviation agency. RIA Novosti subsequently reported the same development. In a report published at 23:37, Interfax said the two airports were again serving flights and cited the agency's statement that restrictions on arrivals and departures had been removed. [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]
Why it matters
The restrictions affected the reception and departure of aircraft at all four airports. The aviation agency said the measures were necessary for flight safety.
Key facts
- Temporary arrival and departure restrictions were imposed at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo on October 11. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Russia's aviation agency said the restrictions were necessary for flight safety. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Interfax reported at 22:31 that Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky had returned to normal operations. [ 6 ]
- The same report said Vnukovo and Domodedovo were operating in coordination with the relevant authorities. [ 6 ]
- Later reports said restrictions at Vnukovo and Domodedovo were lifted and normal flight service resumed. [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at all four Moscow airports on October 11. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- The stated reason for the restrictions was flight safety. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Restrictions at Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky were lifted. [ 5 , 6 ]
- Restrictions at Vnukovo and Domodedovo were lifted later that evening. [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]
Still unclear
- The specific safety concern and the number of flights affected. The October 11 reports give flight safety as the reason but provide no specific threat or totals for affected flights.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Interfax reported temporary restrictions at the four airports. [ 2 ]
- TASS reported that restrictions at Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo were lifted. [ 5 ]
- Interfax reported normal operations at Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky and coordinated operations at Vnukovo and Domodedovo. [ 6 ]
- Interfax reported that Vnukovo and Domodedovo had resumed normal flight service. [ 9 ]