On May 7, 2025, significant disruptions plagued air travel across Russia, particularly affecting flights in and out of Perm and Moscow. The chaos stemmed from security restrictions imposed at several airports due to threats from drone attacks, which have been on the rise as tensions escalate in the region.
Early in the morning, Bolshoye Savino Airport in Perm reported the cancellation of multiple flights, including several to Moscow and one to Sochi. According to local sources, a total of ten flights to Moscow and Sochi were scrapped, with additional flights to cities such as Samara, Usinsk, Yerevan, and Kazan facing delays. The UvT-Aero flight to Samara, originally scheduled for 14:20, was postponed to 20:30, while the flight to Usinsk was delayed from 17:55 to 23:50. Similarly, the flight to Yerevan, operated by Shirak Avia, was rescheduled from 20:10 to 02:00 on May 8, and the flight to Kazan was pushed from 22:20 to 04:00 the next day.
According to the acting Perm transport prosecutor, Kirill Shatokhin, the cancellations and delays were not the fault of the airlines but rather due to force majeure circumstances. Passengers affected by these changes are not entitled to compensation, although airlines are obliged to either transport them to their intended destinations or refund the full price of their tickets.
The situation in Perm was mirrored in Moscow, where airports suspended operations on the evening of May 6 due to the imminent threat of drone attacks. This shutdown affected major airports, including Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo, leading to the cancellation of around 50 flights and delays for many more. Reports indicated that this disruption impacted up to 60,000 passengers, with popular tourist routes through Istanbul and Dubai among those affected.
By the morning of May 7, the fallout from these security measures continued, with flights to cities like Kirov and Nizhnekamsk also being closed. The chaos did not stop there; Sochi airport reported delays for 18 flights, affecting operations for airlines such as S7 Airlines, Pobeda, Ural Airlines, and Aeroflot. The delays stemmed from the same drone threats that had prompted the security restrictions in Moscow.
In a statement from the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR), it was noted that the situation had caused a "chain reaction" of delays and cancellations, with no immediate end in sight. The organization urged travelers to stay updated on their flight statuses, as the disruptions were likely to trigger further delays across the aviation network.
As the day progressed, reports indicated that flights arriving from various locations were also delayed, compounding the issues faced by passengers. For instance, the S7 flight from Dubai, expected to land at 8:40 AM, was now slated to arrive at 1:10 AM on May 8. This cascading effect of delays raised concerns about how airlines would manage their schedules moving forward.
At Sheremetyevo, around 40 flights were canceled, with many others experiencing significant delays. Domodedovo airport also faced similar challenges, with about 20 departures canceled and over 70 arrivals delayed. The situation was exacerbated by the diversion of 43 flights to alternate airports in Pulkovo, Sheremetyevo, Minvody, Ufa, Perm, Saratov, and Kazan.
Airlines, including Aeroflot, Rossiya, and Pobeda, have begun notifying clients about potential delays and cancellations. In light of these events, passengers were advised to remain calm and avoid obstructing airport staff as they worked to resolve the unfolding crisis. Travelers were encouraged to keep an eye on their flight statuses and prepare for potential waits in the terminals.
For those planning to travel, ATOR recommended that passengers maintain a supply of food and water, as well as ensuring they have enough cash on hand for any unexpected expenses. The organization also highlighted the importance of booking connecting flights through a single airline to avoid losing connections in case of delays.
As the day unfolded, it became clear that the impact of the drone attacks and subsequent airport closures would continue to ripple through the aviation sector. The authorities and airlines were working diligently to stabilize the situation, but the potential for further disruptions remained high.
In conclusion, the ongoing situation has highlighted the vulnerabilities in air travel as security concerns escalate. With drone threats affecting flight schedules and passenger plans, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and informed as they navigate these challenges.
