Flights operated by Red Wings and Pobeda airlines, coordinated from Makhachkala Uytash Airport, arrived without incident at Mineralnye Vody and Vladikavkaz airports. This update is based on official notices from the Federal Air Transport Agency, Rosaviation. The information confirms that the operations involved aircraft originally slated to travel from Nizhnevartovsk and Moscow, with initial plans to land in Makhachkala altered due to unrest in the city that prevented the planned arrival route.
Specifically, Rosaviation reported that Red Wings flight WZ 1918 landed safely at Mineralnye Vody Airport at 21:45 Moscow time, while Pobeda’s service reached Vladikavkaz Airport at 21:56 Moscow time. These times reflect the agency’s public briefing on the day’s scheduling shifts and the eventual destinations selected after diversions. The official communications emphasize that the detours were a direct result of the evolving security and logistical considerations faced by the air traffic authorities during the evening operations (Source: Rosaviation).
During the late afternoon and evening, public gatherings occurred near the entrance to the Uytaş airport complex. Organizers or local groups expressed a strong demand that Jewish travelers not be admitted into the locality, echoing broader tensions that rose in the wake of a foreign arrival associated with Israel. Law enforcement and municipal officials monitored the scene to ensure public safety and orderly conduct. Observers noted that the crowd briefly moved inside the terminal area and later proceeded toward the runway as part of crowd movement, raising concerns about potential safety impacts on airport operations (Source: Rosaviation).
Rosaviation later outlined the sequence of flight disruptions connected to the incident. Several flights were deferred, and two high-demand routes — Red Wings’ Nizhnevartovsk to Makhachkala and Pobeda’s Moscow to Makhachkala — were redirected to alternate regions in response to the day’s developments. Airport and aviation authorities prioritized safe landings and controlled traffic flow while addressing the logistical challenges posed by the protests (Source: Rosaviation).
As more information became available, authorities reported that security forces managed to clear the area around Makhachkala Airport and began investigative steps related to the protests. An official inquiry was opened as part of a criminal case concerning mass unrest, with investigators focusing on evaluating crowd behavior, any breaches of public order, and potential threats to aviation safety. Officials also outlined continued collaboration with law enforcement to assess and respond to the evolving regional situation (Source: Rosaviation).
In response to the mounting tensions and the filter of rapidly changing circumstances, regional leadership established an operational command center to oversee the security and logistical implications for Dagestan. The objective at that stage was to stabilize transport operations, safeguard civilian travelers, and maintain a clear channel of communication with national aviation authorities. The operation drew on existing contingency frameworks designed to manage disruptions of air traffic and to coordinate intersecting agencies in order to reduce risk and restore routine services as soon as possible (Source: Rosaviation).
What unfolded in Dagestan during that period highlighted the delicate balance between civil liberty, public safety, and the efficient functioning of air travel networks. While protests are a recognized aspect of public life, authorities emphasized that flights and passenger movements must remain within safety protocols. The sequence of events demonstrates how a regional incident can cascade into broader scheduling changes, airport advisories, and the realignment of international and domestic flight plans in response to security assessments and regional stability conditions (Source: Rosaviation). Moreover, the central government and regional administrations reviewed response protocols to better handle similar disturbances in the future, aiming to reduce disruption while preserving lawful demonstrations and public order (Source: Rosaviation).
Moving forward, the Dagestan government and the operational headquarters indicated they would continue monitoring the security landscape and implementing measures to prevent a recurrence of disruptions to air travel. The focus remained on safeguarding transportation corridors, supporting affected passengers, and coordinating with airlines to rebook or reroute services as needed. Health, safety, and orderly conduct remained top priorities as authorities navigated the post-incident period and prepared for potential follow-up actions within the legal framework established for public safety oversight (Source: Rosaviation).