Moscow — In an extraordinary development on Sunday, authorities in Russia’s capital ordered the temporary closure of all four international airports as a wave of Ukrainian drones approached the city, prompting heightened security measures and grounding flights for much of the afternoon.
The move came after Russia’s air defence systems intercepted and shot down at least 11 drones heading toward Moscow within the span of a single hour, according to local officials and statements from the city’s leadership. The airspace lockdown affected Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky international airports, forcing flights to be delayed, diverted or suspended until safety could be assured.
Mayor Sergey Sobyanin took to social media to confirm the sightings and interceptions, saying that emergency measures were necessary as the unmanned aerial vehicles drew closer to the capital. “Air defences have intercepted another UAV flying towards Moscow,” he posted, adding that the total number of drones downed had risen to 11 by mid-afternoon.
The closures came amid one of the latest escalations in a conflict now approaching its fourth anniversary, where drone warfare — once largely confined to military fronts — increasingly reaches deeper into Russian territory. Russian authorities have reported frequent Ukrainian drone incursions targeting regions across the country, including the area around Moscow.
The Russian civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, said flight restrictions were imposed purely as a precaution to protect passengers, crew and airport personnel. Officials have not reported damage to airport infrastructure or confirmed any casualties linked to the drone activity.
This disruption occurred against a backdrop of ongoing military exchanges, with both sides reporting frequent use of drones and missiles in recent months. While Russia largely claims to have repelled the latest wave with robust air defence, the incident highlights how the war continues to affect daily life well beyond the front lines.
Later reports indicate that airport operations were resumed Sunday evening after authorities deemed the airspace secure and the immediate threat had passed.
