Russia began easing flight restrictions on Friday morning after an overnight drone attack disrupted all four major airports in Moscow.
Moscow airport closures disrupted travel on Thursday and Friday morning after an overnight drone attack, with more than 400 flights cancelled. The disruption followed President William Ruto’s attendance at the Russia-Africa summit hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Restrictions affected all four major airports in the Russian capital and lasted nearly nine hours. Authorities began easing the measures on Friday morning.
Moscow airport closures force diversions
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency lifted restrictions at Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky airports at around 8am on Friday. However, Vnukovo and Domodedovo continued operating under special clearance.
Sheremetyevo recorded 170 cancellations, while Vnukovo recorded 48 cancellations and 111 delays. Meanwhile, some aircraft heading to Moscow diverted to other airports, adding to the disruption for passengers facing lengthy waits.
St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport received 27 diverted flights as the restrictions affected access to the capital. The diversions extended the impact of the overnight disruption beyond Moscow’s airports.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that 862 drones had headed towards the Moscow region between Thursday evening and Friday morning. He said Russian air defences intercepted many before they reached the capital.
Ruto seeks stronger economic ties with Russia
Ruto travelled to Russia on Tuesday, October 27, alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Other senior government officials also accompanied the president.
He attended the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow from October 28 to 29. African leaders and Russian officials discussed trade, investment and economic cooperation during the gathering.
Delegations from 48 of Africa’s 54 countries attended, including 22 led by heads of state. Ruto used the visit to pursue stronger economic ties between Kenya and Russia.
The airport disruption also came against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly launched drone attacks against Russian infrastructure during the conflict.
