What’s Happening?
In recent months, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significantly impacted the civil aviation sector. Since September 2026, Ukraine has intensified a drone attack campaign targeting Russian strategic infrastructure, including numerous airports. This has led to the daily closure of up to 32 Russian airports for security reasons, causing repercussions on regional and international air traffic.
These attacks aim to limit Russia’s logistical capacity and transportation, but inevitably affect passengers and airlines, creating widespread disruptions.
Which Flights and Airports Are at Risk?
Although a specific list of affected airports has not been released, these extensive closures mainly impact major and medium-sized airports in Russia, leading to cascading cancellations and delays:
- Flights departing from or arriving at major airports such as Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), Moscow Domodedovo (DME), and Saint Petersburg Pulkovo (LED)
- Connections to European and Asian destinations
- Routes operated by both Russian and international airlines
This situation can cause sudden cancellations and difficult rebookings, leaving passengers stranded at airports or forced to seek alternative routes.
Passenger Rights According to EU261
The European regulation EU261 protects travelers in cases of cancellation, long delays, or denied boarding. However, its application depends on the routes and airlines involved:
- If you fly departing from an EU airport to Russia or vice versa, EU261 applies (e.g., flights from Rome Fiumicino FCO or London Heathrow LHR to Moscow)
- If the flight is operated by a European airline, EU261 also applies to flights from Russian airports to the EU
However, the regulation does not cover disruptions caused by “extraordinary circumstances” such as armed conflicts or extreme security measures, which are usually excluded from compensation obligations.
In any case, the airline must:
- Inform passengers promptly
- Offer refunds or rebookings on other suitable flights
- Provide assistance such as meals and accommodation in case of long waits
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you are booked on flights departing from or arriving in Russia, consider the following advice:
- Check your flight status frequently by visiting the airline’s website or using our FlightChecker
- At the airport, get information directly at the help desks for any cancellations or gate changes
- Consider alternatives:
- Flights to/from neighboring countries like Georgia, Finland, or Central Asian countries
- Ground connections to reach unaffected airports
- Keep your documents, tickets, and airline contact information handy to facilitate refunds or rebookings
- If you are in Europe, know your rights under EU261 and do not hesitate to assert them if problems are attributable to airlines
Sources
- Original Simple Flying article: Ukraine’s Next Goal: 32 Russian Airports Shut Down Daily As Drone Campaign Escalates
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
