"Over 130 flights operated by 'Aeroflot' have been terminated between Moscow and various destinations"
Aeroflot's Weekend Woes: Hundreds of Flights Disrupted Amid Drone Attacks
It was a chaotic weekend for air travelers in May 2025, as Aeroflot Group and its regional carrier, Rossiya, faced numerous flight cancellations and delays from Moscow airports. The main culprit? A flurry of drone attacks targeting Moscow.
According to reports by TASS, a total of 68 flights departing and 66 arriving at Moscow were axed over the weekend of May 6-7. To make matters worse, more than 140 flights were delayed. This turmoil wasn't limited to Aeroflot - the ripple effects were felt by passengers on at least 350 flights across Russia, stranding over 60,000 travellers[1][2][3].
The root of the problem stemmed from Ukrainian drone attacks on May 6 and 7, which triggered a wave of heightened security measures at major Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky[2][3]. These airspace restrictions forced Aeroflot to cancel over 100 flights and delay more than 140, as they navigated the ongoing drone threat and prepared for Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9, which welcomed foreign dignitaries[2][3].
The disruptions didn't end with the weekend. Flight operations at Sheremetyevo were suspended twice overnight, with the restrictions coming into play from 1:00 to 4:07 Moscow time and then reinstated from 4:25, lifting again at 5:30. Throughout this period, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin continued to report on the interception of drones approaching the city[3].
During this challenging time, Aeroflot implored passengers to stay informed by regularly checking the online board on their website and listening to airport announcements[2]. As the airline worked tirelessly to maintain its schedule, the airspace constraints persisted, causing average departure delays of around two hours and continued operational uncertainty[3].
In a nutshell, the drone attacks near Moscow caused widespread mayhem in the air travel sector, with Aeroflot and Rossiya bearing the brunt of the disruptions[1][2][3]. As Russia copes with these challenges, air travelers would be wise to stay vigilant and monitor their flight status closely.
The disruptions caused by the drone attacks near Moscow extended beyond just the aviation industry, impacting the broader finance sector as well, given the large number of travellers stranded and the potential loss of revenue for airlines such as Aeroflot. The aerospace industry also faced scrutiny, with concerns raised about the security measures in place to protect airports from such attacks.
