On May 7, 2025, a series of unexpected airport closures across Russia led to massive disruptions in flight schedules, affecting thousands of passengers. Major airports in Moscow and several other cities temporarily halted operations due to newly imposed restrictions, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
According to reports, airports including Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky in Moscow, along with Pulkovo in Saint Petersburg, experienced significant operational challenges. The restrictions were introduced to ensure safety, but they quickly led to chaos for travelers. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) noted that at least 350 flights were impacted, affecting over 60,000 passengers.
The ripple effects of these delays were felt far and wide. For instance, Aeroflot, Russia's flagship airline, canceled two flights from Arkhangelsk to Moscow at 6 AM and 11 AM. Additionally, a flight from Arkhangelsk that was supposed to depart for Saint Petersburg at 12:40 PM was delayed. In Moscow, flights to Arkhangelsk scheduled for 5:30 AM and 8:10 AM were also canceled, while a flight from Saint Petersburg at 10:05 AM faced delays.
"Passengers should prepare for further delays as planes that arrive late will affect subsequent flights," ATOR cautioned, urging travelers to check their flight statuses regularly.
Aeroflot reported that many of its planes were redirected to alternate airfields or delayed from departing due to the restrictions in Sheremetyevo from 1:00 AM to 5:30 AM. In total, the airline canceled 52 flights from Moscow and an additional 54 flights heading to the capital. Meanwhile, Ural Airlines unexpectedly canceled 18 flights to Moscow and delayed another 40 flights, leaving approximately 8,500 passengers stranded across various Russian cities and abroad.
In response to the disruptions, airports issued warnings about potential schedule changes. Domodedovo Airport advised passengers to verify their flight statuses before arriving, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the operational restrictions. "We apologize for the trouble this has caused," the airport stated.
At Zhukovsky Airport, officials confirmed that changes in flight schedules included delays and diversions to alternate airfields. The measures were deemed necessary to maintain flight safety, and passengers were encouraged to account for these changes when planning their trips.
Vnukovo Airport reported that restrictions were imposed from 6:20 PM Moscow time on May 6, lasting until 4:08 AM on May 7. During this period, numerous flights were redirected to alternate airfields to ensure safety. Meanwhile, Pulkovo Airport acted as a spare airport, accommodating all diverted flights during the restrictions and now facilitating the dispatch of planes to their intended destinations.
The North-West Transport Prosecutor's Office confirmed that 74 aircraft were sent to Pulkovo as part of the operational adjustments made on May 6 and 7. They are actively monitoring compliance with passenger rights during this tumultuous period.
As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight statuses and remain patient amid the ongoing disruptions. The chaos serves as a reminder of the fragility of air travel, particularly when safety measures necessitate sudden operational changes.
In summary, the temporary airport closures and flight restrictions across Russia on May 7, 2025, have led to significant delays and cancellations, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. With major airlines like Aeroflot and Ural Airlines forced to cancel numerous flights, travelers are left navigating the fallout of this unprecedented situation. As the airports work to resume normal operations, passengers are encouraged to stay informed and flexible with their travel plans.
