Moscow's airports faced temporary restrictions on December 26 due to security concerns, with the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) implementing the emergency plan known as "Kover" (Carpet). The significant measure, aimed at ensuring the safety of civil aviation, started around 3:45 PM and was lifted by 4:39 PM.
The affected airports included Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Kaluga, all halting their incoming and outgoing flights during the security alert. This measure was initiated as there were credible threats involving potential drone activities above Moscow's airspace.
Artem Korenyako, the spokesperson for Rosaviatsiya, highlighted the rationale for these swift actions. "The main priority is ensuring flight safety," he stated, reflecting the agency's commitment to protect passengers and crews from potential threats.
According to TASS, the implementation of plan "Kover" resulted in the temporary halt of all flight operations. They reported, "For security reasons, temporary restrictions were introduced at the airports of Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, and Kaluga. Airports temporarily did not accept and dispatch flights." The restrictions came after several recent incidents involving drones, as Moscow has been on alert due to this rising threat.
During the period of heightened security, approximately 27 flights were delayed or redirected to alternate airports, including flights to cities like Nizhny Novgorod and St. Petersburg. Details revealed by local news channel Mash indicated the operational impact was significant, reflecting the seriousness of the threat perceived by authorities.
Looking back, there have been multiple drone-related incidents impacting Moscow's airspace this year. A notable surge occurred earlier, with drone attacks reported over the city, leading to heightened security protocols at airports. This wave of concern wasn’t isolated; one prominent attack involved the downing of 34 drones above the region on November 10, prompting the need for immediate operational altercations.
Another incident earlier this month on December 11, resulted from threats by Ukrainian drones and saw similar restrictions placed on air traffic, showcasing the tense security environment surrounding aviation safety. This trend has been worrying for aviation authorities who recognize timely responses are necessary to avoid tragedies like the Akhtau air disaster, which claimed 38 lives.
Also, there was prior mention of how laser pointers were recently directed at pilots of passenger planes, posing additional risks apart from drones. A report by Aviaincident revealed how unknown individuals attempted to blind the pilots of the Sukhoi SuperJet 100, emphasizing the chaotic security environment surrounding the flights.
Yet, just before the implementation of plan "Kover", the last time such restrictions were applied was back on October 8, when operational failures at one of the Vnukovo terminals prompted all incoming flights to land at other Moscow airports. The recurring need to implement security measures speaks volumes about the persistent threats to aviation safety.
Authorities constantly strive to maintain aviation safety standards and protocols, ensuring readiness to respond to potential incidents affecting passenger flights.
Despite some operational disruptions, authorities are committed to ensuring safety first and foremost, with operations returning to schedule quickly following the lifting of temporary restrictions. According to the latest updates, once the conditions were deemed safe again, all affected flights resumed their services per schedule.
For now, the air travel community watches closely as directives from Rosaviatsiya and security agencies reflect the importance of proactive measures against aviation vulnerabilities against threats, especially as air travel remains pivotal for connecting people and enabling access across regions. Security assessments will continue to dictate the operational approaches of Moscow's major airports moving forward.
