Russia experienced one of its most chaotic weekends of the year in terms of commercial aviation. Between Saturday and Monday morning, Russian airlines canceled 485 flights and delayed another 1,900, according to Artyom Korenyako, a spokesperson for the country’s civil aviation authority, who reported this via Telegram.
The Primary Cause: Ukrainian Drone Threats
The main reason behind this massive disruption was the threat of drone attacks from Ukraine. Both Moscow and St. Petersburg were subjected to airspace restrictions due to these incursions. These two cities account for a significant portion of the country’s air traffic, making the impact substantial.
External Interference and Airport Chaos
Korenyako mentioned that the air transport system faced “external interference,” although he assured that all airports have resumed normal operations. In St. Petersburg, passengers also suffered internet outages at Pulkovo Airport, which further exacerbated the travel experience.
Putin Dismisses the Minister of Transport
On Monday, President Vladimir Putin dismissed the Minister of Transport, Roman Starovoit, without providing any explanations for the change. This decision comes amid growing questions about the government’s response to the repeated drone attacks that have placed the country’s air infrastructure under threat.
An Alarming Trend
This is not the first time Russian airports have been forced to suspend operations due to unmanned aerial vehicle incursions. Moscow had already experienced significant disruptions on May 7 and 8, coinciding with the arrival of several international leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Later, at the end of the same month, a prolonged drone attack forced the closure of all four airports surrounding the capital, resulting in over 100 flight delays.
Massive Losses for Airlines
The economic consequences are also severe. According to the newspaper Kommersant, airlines could face losses of up to 20 billion rubles (about 254 million dollars) due to this latest wave of cancellations and delays. Companies have had to distribute hundreds of thousands of drink vouchers, cover hotel accommodations, and reimburse affected passengers for their tickets.
Operations Restored, But Uncertainty Persists
Although air operations have now returned to normal, the threat of further attacks remains. The vulnerability of Russian airspace to such types of aggression raises concerns about flight safety and the stability of the aviation system during times of conflict. The Russian aviation industry, already battered by international sanctions and now further impacted by technological warfare, faces an increasingly uncertain future.
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