Over the weekend of July 19–21, 2025, Ukrainian drone attacks caused major disruptions at all four of Moscow’s main airports. More than 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled, affecting at least 200,000 passengers. The attacks, which have become more frequent and sophisticated, highlight growing risks for travelers and the aviation industry in Russia.
Massive Disruptions at Moscow Airports
The latest wave of drone attacks hit Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky airports. Russian air defenses shot down 18 drones on July 19, 26 on July 20, and 23 more on July 21, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Despite these interceptions, the drone attacks forced emergency airspace closures, grounding flights and stranding thousands of travelers.
Sheremetyevo, the busiest airport in Moscow, canceled over 170 flights and delayed more than 300 between July 19 and 21. Vnukovo canceled 24 flights and delayed over 120, while Domodedovo canceled 2 flights and delayed 43. Even Zhukovsky, which saw fewer disruptions, reported 9 delayed flights. The scale of the impact is clear: over 1,000 flights were affected in just three days.
By the morning of July 21, flight restrictions at Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo had been lifted, and both airports were working to return to normal schedules. However, delays and passenger congestion continued, with hundreds of departures and arrivals still affected.
Wider Impact Since May 2025
The weekend’s chaos is part of a larger pattern. Since May 2025, airlines have canceled around 1,000 flights and diverted 430 planes to other airports. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) estimates that at least 200,000 passengers—about one in ten air travelers—have been affected. Each major Moscow airport has experienced over 24 hours of closure in the past three months, with Domodedovo facing more than 60 hours of downtime.
The financial toll is steep. Industry experts estimate tens of billions of rubles in losses for Russian airlines, with some days costing up to 20 billion rubles (about $254 million) nationwide. These losses come at a time when the aviation sector is already under pressure from international sanctions and reduced international travel.
Official Responses and Passenger Experience
Russian officials have responded with a mix of reassurance and caution. The Defense Ministry continues to report high interception rates but admits the attacks are persistent and hard to predict. Rosaviatsia, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, has not announced any plans to compensate airlines for delays or cancellations, despite mounting industry losses.
Andrei Nikitin, Russia’s new Transportation Minister, said the situation is “slightly better” than in May but stressed that neither airports nor airlines can predict when emergency airspace closures—known as the “Carpet Plan”—will be triggered. “Safety remains our top priority,” Nikitin stated, adding that authorities are working with the Defense Ministry to find solutions. In the meantime, airports are improving food services and rest areas to help manage passenger discomfort.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed the drone shootdowns and praised emergency response teams, especially in residential areas affected by falling debris.
Operational Unpredictability and Passenger Hardship
One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictability of the disruptions. Airports and airlines cannot anticipate when airspace closures will occur, leading to sudden, large-scale shutdowns. This operational uncertainty makes it difficult for airlines to plan schedules or for passengers to make reliable travel plans.
Travelers face extended delays, crowded terminals, and long wait times for rebooking or rerouting. Airports have increased staff and are prioritizing flights based on urgency, but the sheer volume of affected passengers means many still wait hours—or even days—for assistance.
As of July 21, 2025, there are no official compensation mechanisms for airlines or passengers affected by drone-related disruptions. This lack of compensation adds to the frustration for both travelers and airline staff.
Security and Defense Concerns
The repeated breaches have exposed weaknesses in Russian air defense systems. While Russian forces have intercepted many drones, the attacks continue to reach Moscow’s airspace. This has prompted ongoing reviews and upgrades to air defense systems.
Military analysts say the scale and frequency of Ukrainian drone attacks mark a significant change in modern warfare. Russia must spend heavily on air defense, while Ukraine can disrupt Russian air traffic at a much lower cost. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these tactics are designed to undermine confidence in Russian security and disrupt the economy.
Ukrainian officials have openly stated that paralyzing Russian air traffic is a strategic goal. Kyiv hopes to weaken Russia’s economy and show that even the capital is not immune from attack.
International and Policy Reactions
The international community is watching closely. Leaders in the European Union and the United Kingdom are monitoring the situation and considering more military aid to Ukraine. China has criticized EU sanctions on Russia that affect Chinese interests, showing how the conflict’s impact extends beyond Russia and Ukraine.
Inside Russia, authorities are under pressure to improve air defense and develop compensation or mitigation strategies for the aviation sector. However, as of July 21, 2025, no concrete policy changes have been announced.
What Passengers Should Do
If your flight is delayed or canceled due to drone attacks, here are some practical steps:
- Check real-time updates: Visit your airport’s official website or your airline’s online channels for the latest information. For example, Sheremetyevo’s official site provides up-to-date flight status.
- Rebooking and rerouting: Airlines are handling rebookings on a case-by-case basis, with priority given to those with urgent travel needs. Some flights are being diverted to other airports, and ground transportation is being arranged where possible.
- Customer service: Expect longer wait times for assistance due to high demand. Airports have increased food service and rest area provisions to help manage congestion.
- Keep documents handy: Have your passport, ticket, and any travel insurance information ready. This will speed up the process if you need to rebook or reroute.
- Stay informed: Follow official updates from Rosaviatsia, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, for authoritative information on airspace closures and travel advisories. You can access their official updates here.
No Compensation for Disrupted Travel
One of the most frustrating aspects for travelers is the lack of compensation. As of July 21, 2025, Russian authorities have not announced any plans to compensate airlines or passengers for delays or cancellations caused by drone attacks. This policy leaves many travelers out of pocket for extra expenses like food, accommodation, or missed connections.
Airlines are also feeling the strain. With no compensation from the government, they must absorb the costs of canceled flights, diverted planes, and extra staffing. This financial pressure could lead to higher ticket prices or reduced service in the future.
Background: A New Phase in the Conflict
This is the fourth major disruption to Moscow’s air traffic since May 2025, and it comes during the busy tourist season. The attacks have become more frequent and sophisticated, with July seeing the most extensive use of drones against the Russian capital.
Earlier incidents in May caused widespread delays, including for foreign dignitaries traveling to Moscow for Victory Day celebrations. Each new wave of attacks brings more uncertainty for travelers and the aviation industry.
Expert Opinions and Future Risks
Military experts believe the use of drones to disrupt air traffic is a sign of changing tactics in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The low cost and high impact of drone attacks make them an attractive option for Ukraine, while Russia must spend much more to defend its airspace.
Both Russian and Ukrainian officials expect further drone attacks and disruptions, especially as ceasefire talks remain stalled. As long as the conflict continues, travelers using Moscow airports should be prepared for ongoing risks and possible delays.
Policy Review and Potential Solutions
Russian authorities are reviewing security and operational procedures, but they face ongoing challenges from evolving Ukrainian drone tactics. There is growing pressure to develop compensation or mitigation strategies for the aviation sector, but no concrete policy changes have been announced.
Some possible solutions being discussed include:
- Upgrading air defense systems: Investing in better technology to detect and intercept drones before they reach airport airspace.
- Improving passenger services: Expanding food, rest, and customer service options during disruptions.
- Developing compensation policies: Creating rules for compensating airlines and passengers affected by security-related delays.
- Better communication: Providing clearer, faster updates to travelers during emergencies.
For now, safety remains the top priority. Authorities are working with the Defense Ministry to find ways to reduce the impact of future attacks.
Advice for International Travelers and Immigrants
For international travelers, students, and immigrants passing through Moscow airports, the current situation adds another layer of uncertainty. If you are planning to travel to or from Russia 🇷🇺, consider the following tips:
- Monitor travel advisories: Check for updates from your home country’s embassy or consulate in Russia.
- Allow extra time: Arrive at the airport earlier than usual, as security checks and delays may be longer.
- Have a backup plan: Be ready to change your travel plans if your flight is delayed or canceled.
- Keep emergency contacts: Have the contact information for your airline, embassy, and travel insurance provider handy.
If you are an immigrant or international student, disruptions at Moscow airports could affect your visa status or ability to meet important deadlines. Stay in close contact with your school, employer, or immigration advisor to explain any delays and get help if needed.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
The situation at Moscow airports remains fluid. Both Russian and Ukrainian officials expect further drone attacks and disruptions, especially as the conflict continues. Russian authorities are under pressure to improve air defense and develop compensation or mitigation strategies for the aviation sector, but no concrete policy changes have been announced as of July 21, 2025.
Ukraine has proposed renewed ceasefire talks, but there is no sign of a quick end to the fighting. Until the conflict is resolved, travelers and the aviation industry in Russia will likely face ongoing risks and disruptions.
Key Takeaways for Travelers and the Aviation Industry
- Over 1,000 flights were delayed or canceled at Moscow airports July 19–21, 2025, due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
- At least 200,000 passengers have been affected since May; disruptions are ongoing but airports are gradually resuming normal operations.
- No compensation is available for airlines or passengers; safety remains the official priority.
- Russian authorities are reviewing security and operational procedures but face ongoing challenges from evolving Ukrainian drone tactics.
- Further disruptions are likely as the conflict continues and both sides escalate long-range strike campaigns.
For official updates and travel advisories, visit the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) website. For guidance on travel disruptions, the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) also provides resources for affected travelers.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the ongoing drone attacks and resulting flight disruptions at Moscow airports have created a challenging environment for travelers, airlines, and airport staff. While authorities work to improve security and passenger services, the situation remains unpredictable. Travelers should stay informed, plan ahead, and be prepared for possible changes to their travel plans as the conflict continues.
Learn Today
Drone Attacks → Use of remotely piloted aircraft to disrupt or damage targets, especially in military conflicts.
Airspace Closures → Temporary restrictions banning aircraft from flying over specific areas for safety reasons.
Rosaviatsia → Russian Federal Air Transport Agency responsible for overseeing civil aviation safety and regulations.
Interception → The act of detecting and neutralizing unauthorized drones or aircraft before they reach targets.
Carpet Plan → Emergency protocol involving closing airspace to ensure safety during drone attack threats.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted over 1,000 flights at Moscow airports, affecting 200,000 passengers. Airports wrestle with unpredictability, no compensation, and security challenges amid ongoing conflict and operational chaos.
— By VisaVerge.com
