Russia Cancels Hundreds of Flights Amid Ongoing Airspace Chaos

Key Takeaways

• As of July 6, 2025, Russia canceled 287 flights and delayed 106 due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
• Major airports like Sheremetyevo and Pulkovo face unprecedented cancellations, leaving thousands stranded.
• Russian Railways added 8,000 train seats between Moscow and St. Petersburg to aid stranded travelers.

Russia Faces Widespread Flight Cancellations Amid Airspace Chaos

As of July 6, 2025, Russia 🇷🇺 is facing its most severe air travel crisis in years. For the second day in a row, hundreds of flights have been canceled or delayed across the country. The main reason is a wave of Ukrainian drone attacks and growing airspace security threats. This has led to chaos at major airports, especially in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and has left tens of thousands of travelers stranded. The situation is causing major problems for passengers, airlines, and the country’s aviation system as a whole.

What Happened: The Scale of the Disruption

The crisis began on July 5 and continued into July 6, with at least 287 flights canceled and 106 delayed at Russia’s busiest airports. The worst-hit airports include:

• Sheremetyevo (Moscow): 171 flights canceled, 56 delayed (over two hours)
• Pulkovo (St. Petersburg): 90 flights canceled, 37 delayed
• Nizhny Novgorod (Chkalov): 26 flights canceled, 13 delayed

In addition, airports in Ivanovo, Kaluga, Pskov, and Tambov had to suspend all operations due to what officials called “external interference.” This phrase is widely understood to mean ongoing drone threats. The result has been airspace chaos across much of Russia 🇷🇺, with thousands of people stuck in crowded terminals or even forced to wait for hours on planes after landing.

Why Are Flights Canceled? The Immediate Cause

Russian authorities, including the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia), have pointed to drone attacks as the main reason for the airspace closures. Between July 5 and 6, the Russian Defense Ministry said it shot down 120 drones overnight. In the early hours of July 6, the city of Novorossiysk in the Krasnodar region was also attacked by drones from both the sea and the air.

Officials say these steps are necessary to keep passengers safe. Rosaviatsia stated that the disruptions were needed “to ensure flight safety” and claimed the situation was “under control.” However, the scale of the cancellations and the number of people affected show just how serious the problem has become.

How Are Passengers Affected?

The impact on travelers has been severe. Tens of thousands of people have been left stranded, with many forced to wait in overcrowded airport terminals. Some passengers reported being stuck for more than nine hours, with no available seating in lounges or cafes. Many families, including those with young children, have struggled to find food, water, or even a place to rest.

Airlines have tried to help by offering rebooking or refunds for canceled flights. However, the huge number of affected travelers has overwhelmed customer service channels. Many people have found it hard to get clear information or quick help from airlines or airport staff.

Key problems for passengers include:

• Long waits in crowded terminals
• Lack of seating, food, and water
• Delays in getting information about flight status
• Difficulty rebooking or getting refunds
• Missed connections for international flights

As reported by VisaVerge.com, many travelers have criticized the lack of timely updates and the limited support available at airports. Some advocacy groups are calling for better compensation and clearer communication from airlines and airport authorities.

Airlines and Airports Respond

Major Russian airlines, including Aeroflot and S7 Airlines, have warned that more cancellations and delays are likely in the coming days. Some flights have been diverted to other airports or combined to reduce congestion. At the same time, airports have restricted access to secure zones to help manage the crowds. Staff have been moved to help with baggage handling and to speed up passenger processing.

Key steps taken by airlines and airports:

• Warning passengers about possible ongoing cancellations
• Diverting or combining flights to manage crowds
• Restricting access to certain airport areas
• Increasing staff to help with baggage and passenger support

Russian Railways Steps In

With so many flights canceled, Russian Railways has stepped in to help stranded travelers. The company has added more than 8,000 extra train seats between Moscow and St. Petersburg from July 6 to July 8. This move is meant to give people another way to travel between the country’s two biggest cities while the airspace chaos continues.

International Impact: Foreign Airlines and Travelers

The crisis is not just affecting people inside Russia 🇷🇺. Foreign airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Pegasus, have canceled dozens of flights to and from Russia. This has left thousands of international travelers stranded or forced to change their plans. Some people trying to leave Russia have found it almost impossible to get a flight, while others have had to wait days for a new booking.

Background: Why Is This Happening Now?

The current crisis is part of a larger pattern of problems for Russia’s aviation sector. Since early 2024, there have been more and more drone attacks on Russian airspace. These attacks have led to repeated airport closures and mass delays. In May 2025, a record drone attack caused the cancellation of 12% of all flights in and out of Moscow in a single day. That incident affected over 60,000 travelers and caused delays across the country.

At the same time, Russia’s aviation industry has been under pressure from Western sanctions. These sanctions have made it hard for airlines to get spare parts and carry out maintenance on their planes. As a result, the government has allowed airlines to register and operate over 500 planes that were previously leased from foreign companies. This move is meant to keep domestic flights running, but it also shows how isolated Russia’s aviation sector has become.

Policy and Security Implications

The main reason given for the mass cancellations is passenger safety. However, the repeated disruptions have exposed weaknesses in Russia’s airspace security and crisis management. Experts say that the combination of drone threats and a shortage of planes could lead to more problems in the future.

Key policy and security issues:

• Ongoing drone threats make it hard to keep airspace safe
• Sanctions limit access to spare parts and new planes
• Airlines and airports struggle to manage large numbers of stranded passengers
• The government may need to introduce new security measures or expand domestic leasing of planes

What Are the Rights of Passengers?

Airlines have told passengers to check their flight status online and have offered rebooking or refunds for canceled flights. But with so many people affected, it can be hard to get quick help. Some passengers have complained about long waits on customer service hotlines and slow responses to refund requests.

If your flight is canceled or delayed:

• Check your airline’s website for the latest updates
• Contact the airline for rebooking or a refund
• Keep receipts for any extra expenses (food, hotels, transport)
• Ask about compensation or support if you are stranded for a long time

For official information on passenger rights and flight status, travelers can visit the Rosaviatsia official website, which provides real-time updates and advisories.

How Are Different Groups Affected?

Travelers:
The biggest impact is on ordinary travelers, both inside Russia 🇷🇺 and those trying to enter or leave the country. Many people have missed important events, lost money on non-refundable bookings, or been forced to spend extra days away from home.

Airlines:
Russian airlines are under huge pressure to keep flights running despite the chaos. They face extra costs from refunds, rebooking, and managing crowds at airports. The crisis also makes it harder for airlines to plan ahead or keep up with maintenance.

Airport Staff:
Workers at airports have had to deal with angry and frustrated passengers, long hours, and difficult working conditions. Many have been moved from their usual jobs to help with crowd control or baggage handling.

Foreign Travelers and Airlines:
International airlines have had to cancel flights, which affects their schedules and revenue. Foreign travelers have faced uncertainty and delays, with some unable to leave Russia 🇷🇺 or reach their destinations on time.

Expert Opinions: What Does the Future Hold?

Aviation experts warn that the current crisis could be just the beginning. As long as drone threats continue and sanctions remain in place, Russia’s aviation sector will face ongoing challenges. Some analysts say that the country may need to invest more in domestic plane production or find new ways to keep flights running safely.

The government says the situation is “stable and controllable,” but the repeated disruptions suggest deeper problems. Passenger advocacy groups are calling for better support and clearer information for those affected by flight cancellations.

What Should Travelers Do Now?

If you are planning to travel to, from, or within Russia 🇷🇺 in the coming weeks, here are some practical steps to follow:

1. Check Flight Status Regularly:
Use your airline’s website or the airport’s online tools to get the latest updates on your flight.

2. Contact Your Airline:
If your flight is canceled, reach out to your airline for rebooking, a refund, or alternative travel options.

3. Consider Rail Alternatives:
Russian Railways is offering extra seats between major cities. This can be a good backup if flights are canceled.

4. Monitor Official Advisories:
Follow updates from Rosaviatsia and the Ministry of Transport for the latest information on airspace closures and travel options.

5. Keep All Receipts:
If you have to spend extra money on hotels, food, or transport because of a canceled flight, keep all receipts. You may be able to claim compensation later.

6. Stay Calm and Patient:
Airport staff are doing their best in a difficult situation. Being patient and polite can help you get the support you need.

Official Contacts and Resources

For help and the latest information, travelers can use these official contacts:

• Rosaviatsia (Federal Air Transport Agency):
  • Website: rosaviatsia.gov.ru
  • Hotline: +7 (495) 601-04-20
• Aeroflot Customer Service:
  • Hotline: 8-800-444-55-55 (within Russia)
  • Website: aeroflot.ru
• Russian Railways:
  • Website: rzd.ru
  • Hotline: 8-800-775-00-00

Summary Table: Major Flight Disruptions (as of July 6, 2025)

Looking Ahead: Will the Crisis Continue?

The outlook for Russia’s aviation sector remains uncertain. With the ongoing conflict and the proven ability of drones to disrupt airspace, more flight cancellations and delays are likely in the coming weeks and months. The government is expected to expand domestic leasing of planes and may introduce new security measures at airports. However, it is not clear if these steps will be enough to solve the deeper problems facing the sector.

Russia 🇷🇺 also faces a long-term challenge: replacing hundreds of aging, foreign-made aircraft by 2030. Domestic production is unlikely to meet demand in the near future, which could make the situation even harder if disruptions continue.

Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

The current wave of flight cancellations and airspace chaos in Russia 🇷🇺 is a reminder of how quickly travel plans can change in today’s world. For travelers, the best approach is to stay informed, keep in touch with airlines, and be ready to use alternative transport if needed. For the aviation sector, the crisis highlights the need for better security, clearer communication, and more support for passengers caught up in events beyond their control.

As the situation develops, travelers should keep checking official sources and be prepared for further changes. The hope is that with better planning and stronger security, Russia’s skies will soon become safer and more reliable for everyone.

For more detailed analysis and updates on global travel disruptions, VisaVerge.com reports that staying informed and flexible is key for anyone affected by sudden changes in air travel.

Learn Today

Rosaviatsia → Federal Air Transport Agency of Russia responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and operations.
Drone Attacks → Use of unmanned aerial vehicles to disrupt or threaten airspace security causing flight cancellations.
Flight Cancellation → The official stopping of a scheduled flight, often causing delays and stranded passengers.
Domestic Leasing → Process where airlines register and operate previously foreign-leased aircraft within their own territory.
Airspace Security → Measures and protocols to protect a country’s controlled airspace from unauthorized or dangerous incursions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Russia faces severe air travel chaos from drone attacks, causing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays. Thousands are stranded in overcrowded airports. Russian Railways offers train alternatives as airlines struggle to manage the unprecedented disruptions and maintain passenger safety amid ongoing security threats and sanctions.
— By VisaVerge.com