Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports returned to normal operations after the introduction of flight restrictions amid attempted drone attacks in the Moscow region, which occurred on the night of September 17. The lifting of restrictions was announced by the press service of the Federal Air Transport Agency.
They clarified that this morning, in order to ensure the safety of aircraft flights, flights to Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports were temporarily limited. According to the Federal Air Transport Agency, one plane was sent to the alternate airport.
“As of 08:30 Moscow time on August 17, 2023, Moscow airports and Zhukovsky airport are operating as normal,” the message says.
The press service added that during the restrictions on the arrival and departure of flights, aircraft crews, air traffic controllers and airport ground services “took all necessary measures to ensure flight safety.”
Restrictions were also introduced at Vnukovo at night, T writes, citing the airport’s press service. The airport complex is currently operating as normal.
On the night of September 17, the Moscow region was attacked twice by drones – in the Istra district and Ramenskoye. The drones were shot down, there was no damage or casualties, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said earlier. Amid the attacks at Moscow airports in the morning, according to Yandex.Schedules, 28 flights were delayed.
Over the past few days, drone attacks on Russian regions have become more frequent. Sobyanin regularly reports about the destruction of drones on approach to the capital. Due to drone attacks, restrictions on departures and arrivals are being introduced at Moscow airports. The largest aircraft delay occurred on August 31, when 139 flights were disrupted at Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo airports. On that day, a drone was shot down in the sky over the Voskresensky district of the Moscow region. On the night of September 16, more than 30 flights were delayed at Moscow airports. The Ministry of Defense announced the downing of Ukrainian drones in the Tver and Kaluga regions.