Russian civil aviation is experiencing unprecedented disruption as Ukrainian drone operations force repeated airport shutdowns. In August alone, airports across the country were temporarily closed 993 times—an average of 32 per day—according to data from aviation security firm Osprey Flight Solutions. This marks the most disruptive month for Russian air travel since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022.
The closures affected 32 airports, including the major hubs of Moscow and St Petersburg. Over the summer, a total of 2,182 closures were recorded, already exceeding the full-year total for 2025. The Insider, a Russian investigative outlet, calculated that August's closures were more than six times the 2025 monthly average.
A new reality for Russian aviation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning to airlines and insurers on 1 September, stating that Russian airspace "is becoming completely unsafe" for civil aviation. "We in Ukraine do not want innocent lives to be lost. That's why we are warning our partners: the days of safety in Russia's skies are over," he said.
Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former Ukrainian defence minister, clarified that the goal is not to attack civilian aircraft but to create lasting uncertainty. "Ukraine is not seeking to shoot down civilian aircraft, but it is making Russia's skies unsafe for flying," he told Ukrainska Pravda.
The closures are triggered by the activation of Russia's "Kover" (carpet) protocol—an air defence procedure designed for rare emergencies that grounds or redirects all civil aircraft when a drone threat is detected. Military analyst Mykhailo Samus of the Centre for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies said the closures are part of a broader strategy of economic exhaustion, alongside rising insurance premiums, the withdrawal of foreign carriers, and reduced domestic mobility. "Airport closures are the new reality for Russian aviation," he said.
Despite assurances from Russia's Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin that no significant disruptions would be allowed, operational data contradict his statement. In the first three days of September, an average of 86 flights per day were cancelled, according to FlightRadar24—a level comparable to August's worst periods. On the most severe nights around Moscow, between 77 and more than 100 flights were delayed or cancelled in a single overnight period.
Passengers have documented the chaos on social media and regional news feeds. "We've been sitting on the plane for an hour, Vnukovo has been closed, nobody is explaining anything," one traveller wrote on Telegram. Another posted, "Pulkovo won't let the flight depart, Moscow won't receive it." A third said, "The online board is all red, it's impossible to take off or land."
Some foreign carriers that had continued to fly to Russia after the invasion have since adjusted routes or suspended operations. Changes have affected Pegasus, Flydubai, and Air India, according to industry media. Passenger numbers on the Moscow-St Petersburg route have fallen by 20-23%, while rail demand has risen by roughly 20% in response.
The disruption is not only a logistical headache but also a strategic tool. As Ukraine continues its drone campaign, the economic pressure on Russia's aviation sector is mounting. The situation echoes broader security concerns across Europe, as highlighted by recent incidents involving drones near high-profile targets. For a continent already on edge, the message is clear: the skies over Russia are no longer a safe haven.
