Moscow’s airports experience largest aviation disruption of 2026 after Russia breaks ceasefire with Ukraine

Moscow’s airports are experiencing the largest aviation disruption since the beginning of 2026 following massive UAV attacks and prolonged flight restrictions, as per Agenstvo. More than 450 flights have been delayed, while others were canceled or redirected to other airports.

Ukraine has resumed drone attacks on Russia following Moscow's refusal to hold a long-term ceasefire proposed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On 6 May, on the first day of the expected ending of the hostilities, Russia violated the ceasefire over 1,800 times and unleashed a drone attack on a kindergarten in Sumy, killing civilians there. 

The worst situation developed at Vnukovo Airport, where restrictions remained in place for nearly 18 hours. Some passengers waited more than 12 hours for their flights and were forced to spend the night in the terminals.

Meanwhile, aviation transport has been completely suspended in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. 

Passengers sleep on terminal floors in Moscow airports

Vnukovo’s press service urged passengers to “be prepared for longer waiting times, including onboard aircraft.”

During the effective paralysis of the airport, 173 departing flights and another 158 arrivals were scheduled through Vnukovo. Some flights were redirected to Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports.

Dozens of drones over Moscow trigger year’s largest aviation disruption

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that since the night of 7 May, Russian air defenses had allegedly intercepted 54 drones heading toward the Russian capital.

Against this backdrop, Russian prosecutors launched inspections over mass flight delays and the transport disruption affecting Moscow airports.

Moscow’s aviation system fails to return to normal operations for third consecutive day

At Sheremetyevo Airport, at least 24 departures were delayed and eight flights canceled. More than 160 additional flights arrived late or are expected to arrive late.

Domodedovo Airport is also experiencing delays affecting dozens of flights. Disruptions across Moscow’s airport system have continued since 5 May. During the previous day alone, more than 200 flights were delayed or canceled.

In April, Russia attempted to exhaust Ukraine’s air defense system with mass, combined strikes. However, Ukraine managed to intercept nearly 6,000 aerial targets.