Moscow Hit by Drone Attack During Gas Summit Addressed by Putin; Around 150 Flights Canceled or Delayed
Why It MattersRepeated drone-driven airport restrictions around Moscow keep the capital's three major airports exposed to sudden closures, which disrupts flight scheduling and forces diversions to alternate airfields.
On Tuesday, October 27, Moscow came under a drone attack during an international gas summit at which Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said Russian air defenses intercepted 16 drones approaching the city over a two-hour period ending at 6:30 p.m. The Russian Defense Ministry said 71 drones were shot down across various regions during the day, a figure for which there is no independent confirmation. Residents of western Moscow and the Moscow region reported explosions, loud rumbling and car alarms going off, with blasts heard in the areas of Barvikha, Rodniki and Govorovo.
Because of the drone threat, operations at Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Vnukovo airports were restricted. Russian media estimated that around 150 flights were delayed or canceled, and some aircraft were diverted to alternate airfields.
Russian authorities also restricted mobile internet within the Third Ring Road, citing security measures. According to Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, the restrictions will remain in effect on October 28–29. Some streets in the city center were partially closed.
