Aeroflot delays and cancels flights as Moscow airspace restrictions hit airports
In short
Aeroflot said it is moving departure times and cancelling some flights on 22 October because of temporary restrictions on takeoffs and landings at Moscow-area airports. Some flights were sent to alternate airports. RBC linked the restrictions to a drone attack on Moscow.
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Aeroflot said it is adjusting its flight schedule on 22 October by postponing departure times and cancelling some flights. The airline's press service said the changes are due to temporary restrictions on departures and arrivals at airports of the Moscow aviation hub. Interfax cited a statement published on Aeroflot's channel, and RIA Novosti cited the press service. [ 1 , 2 ]
RIA Novosti reported that the restrictions were introduced at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports. According to the airline, some flights were sent to alternate airports. Aeroflot said flights will operate after the restrictions are lifted, and that departures from alternate airports may be postponed further if the crew needs rest. [ 1 ]
Aeroflot urged passengers to check their flight status on the online board and in the booking management section of its website before travelling to the airport, and not to come to the airport if their flight is cancelled. The press service said ground services and company offices are working in an enhanced mode, and that waiting passengers are served in line with the federal aviation rules of Russia. [ 1 ]
Interfax added that Rosaviatsia had earlier warned that all Moscow airports would suspend operations. RBC's headline said Aeroflot warned of flight cancellations amid a drone attack on Moscow; the other documents do not state a cause for the restrictions. [ 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
Aeroflot passengers face rescheduled and cancelled flights, and the airline told them to check flight status before travelling to the airport. The documents do not say how long the restrictions will last.
Key facts
- Aeroflot said it is adjusting its schedule on 22 October by moving departure times and cancelling some flights. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The airline cited temporary restrictions on departures and arrivals at airports of the Moscow aviation hub. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- RIA Novosti named Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky as the airports where restrictions were introduced. [ 1 ]
- Some Aeroflot flights were sent to alternate airports. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Interfax reported that Rosaviatsia had earlier warned that all Moscow airports would suspend operations. [ 2 ]
- Aeroflot told passengers to check flight status on the online board and in the booking management section of its website, and not to come to the airport if a flight is cancelled. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- What caused the restrictions. Only RBC's headline links them to a drone attack on Moscow; the other documents do not state a cause.
- How long the restrictions will last and how many flights are affected. The documents give no end time and no number of delayed or cancelled flights.
- Whether restrictions also apply at Yaroslavl airport. A line in the RIA Novosti text mentions temporary restrictions at Yaroslavl airport, but gives no details.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- RIA Novosti published Aeroflot's warning about postponed and cancelled flights. [ 1 ]
- Interfax reported that Aeroflot was adjusting its schedule and sending aircraft to alternate airports. [ 2 ]
- RBC reported that Aeroflot was adjusting its schedule because of limits on flights at Moscow hub airports. [ 3 ]