TASS: Restrictions on the arrival and departure of aircraft at the four airports near Moscow have been lifted

TASS: Restrictions on the arrival and departure of aircraft at the four airports near Moscow have been lifted

Moscow Airports Resume Normal Operations After Drone-Related Restrictions
February 22, 2026

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) announced the removal of temporary flight restrictions at three major Moscow-area airports—Domodedovo, Zhukovsky, and Sheremetyevo— following security measures implemented earlier in the day. The decision to lift restrictions came after a drone attack on the capital, during which at least seven UAVs were intercepted en route to Moscow, according to reports citing Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.

Earlier on February 22, Rosaviatsiya had imposed temporary restrictions on arrivals and departures at the airports to ensure flight safety amid heightened security concerns. The agency did not specify the duration of the earlier restrictions but emphasized that operations had returned to normal by the close of the day. This follows similar, shorter-term restrictions in February at Volgograd, Gelendzhik, and Krasnodar airports, also introduced for safety reasons.

The incident underscores ongoing challenges in Russia’s airspace security, particularly amid increased drone activity near urban centers. Russian defense officials reported destroying 86 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions overnight, including 29 over the Belgorod Region. While the Moscow drone attack did not disrupt critical infrastructure, it prompted immediate defensive actions, including the deployment of air defense systems and heightened surveillance.

For the aviation sector, the lifting of restrictions signals a return to stability, though repeated security measures could impact long-term operational planning. Airports in the Moscow region handle a significant share of Russia’s passenger and cargo traffic, and prolonged disruptions could affect regional trade and travel. Analysts note that the incident highlights the need for robust air defense investments, particularly as drone technology evolves.

No further updates on potential sanctions or economic repercussions related to the incident have been announced. Investors are advised to monitor developments in Russia’s aviation regulatory framework and regional security dynamics for implications on market operations.

(https://tass.com/emergencies/1963049): TASS, (https://tass.com/emergencies/2083487): TASS, (https://tass.com/politics/2090161): TASS, (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moscow-airports-restrict-flights-amid-drone-attack-2026-02-22/): Reuters