The capital’s airports Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Zhukovsky began the day operating on a normal schedule from 9 am, following official statements from Rosaviatsia. Airport authorities in Moscow reported that normal departures and arrivals resumed after the prior restrictions, with air traffic returning to typical flow as crews implemented standard safety checks and guidance for passengers and crews alike.
Flight restrictions at several airports were put in place to provide additional flight safety until 8:30 am on the morning of 21 August. The measure was described by aviation authorities as a precaution to ensure optimal coordination of routing amid evolving security considerations. Airlines and passengers were advised to check the latest updates, as the temporary limitations affected scheduling and gate assignments across the network while operations were adjusted to maintain orderly departure and arrival patterns.
According to the Federal Air Transport Agency, 45 passenger flights and two cargo flights were affected as routes to Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, and St. Petersburg were diverted to alternative airports. For several flights diverted away from their original destinations, airlines coordinated onward transport solutions to complete passenger itineraries. Once restrictions were lifted, arrangements were made to deliver passengers to their intended airports, with ground services organizing transfers and rebookings to minimize disruption in travel plans. The information was provided to illustrate the broader impact on regional connectivity during the safety precaution window.
On the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that, at approximately 06:50 Moscow time on August 21, the Russian armed forces intercepted a drone-type unmanned aerial vehicle that attempted to target objects in the Moscow region. Military officials stated that measures were taken to neutralize the threat and to prevent potential damage to critical infrastructure. This event occurred amid heightened vigilance across several urban centers, where security teams monitored skies and implemented appropriate responses to aerial disturbances.
Earlier in the week, multiple regions in the Russian Federation faced drone activity. Reports described a drone crashing into the roof of Kursk train station, triggering a fire within the structure and prompting emergency response activities. In the Rostov region, two drones were observed crashing on the grounds of a military unit in Kamensk. During a night period, the Moscow sky was briefly closed after a drone sighting over the Moscow region, while the Belgorod region endured two drone incursions within a short 40-minute interval. Additional details were provided by national outlets and regional agencies as investigators examined the incidents for potential security implications. Forward-looking coverage emphasized continued vigilance and ongoing coordination among defense, aviation, and emergency services to preserve public safety. – Source attribution: Newspapers.Ru and official communications.
Earlier reporting noted a rising frequency of birds colliding with Russian aircraft, a phenomenon intermittently complicating flight operations. Aviation authorities highlighted the need for ongoing wildlife management and monitoring programs at major hubs to reduce risk and maintain safe operating conditions for air travel. This emphasis on proactive safety measures aligns with broader efforts to uphold passenger confidence and ensure resilience in the transportation network as weather, wildlife activity, and security dynamics intersect with daily schedules.