Huge Drone Attack Forces Ground Stop at Moscow Domodedovo Airport

Moscow's Domodedovo Airport (DME) briefly halted all flight operations on Sunday. This followed a massive wave of Ukrainian drones. The drones targeted the Russian capital. Russian officials reported many successful interceptions. Air defenses shot down thirteen drones near Moscow.

The disruption at Domodedovo was brief. However, it caused many flight delays. Operations resumed later that same afternoon. This event reflects a growing trend. Major Moscow airports face frequent closures now. These security measures frustrate many Russian travelers.

Widespread Drone Assault

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed the attack. He shared updates on social media. Emergency crews rushed to debris sites. No major injuries were reported initially. The drones were fixed-wing aerial vehicles.

In other regions, the scale was larger. Officials in Bryansk reported 120 drones. The Russian Defense Ministry tracked the wave. They intercepted 102 drones in total. These flew over several western provinces. Affected areas included Tula and Kaluga.

Impact on Aviation Operations

Frequent drone activity changes flight paths. Carriers like Aeroflot face high costs. Diversions lead to extra fuel usage. Crew schedules are also heavily impacted. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) tracks these risks.

Security protocols require immediate ground stops. These are often called "Carpet" plans. They clear the sky for defense. This keeps commercial passengers safe. However, it hurts airline reliability. Many travelers now expect sudden delays.

Regional Humanitarian Concerns

Winter has hit the region hard. Temperatures are currently below freezing. Power and gas outages are common. Some areas even lack clean water. These strikes add to the stress.

Experts worry about future military escalations. More attacks could hit power grids. This would affect millions of people. For now, airports remain on alert. Aviation safety is the main focus. Security teams monitor the skies closely.

Future flights may face more risks. Airlines must plan for sudden closures. The Federal Air Transport Agency manages these rules. They work to minimize travel chaos. Still, the situation remains very tense.

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