A green alert was triggered at Sheremetyevo Airport following an incident involving a Boeing 737 piloted by a crew from Afghanistan. The event occurred after the aircraft failed to clear the runway upon landing, prompting ground safety procedures to be initiated. Reports from a telegraph channel identified as Puree circulated about the situation, raising questions about the sequence of actions that led to the alert.
Regulations require pilots to vacate and clear the runway promptly after touchdown to allow subsequent traffic to land safely. In this case, it appeared that the Afghan flight crew may have been unaware of the need to vacate quickly, which contributed to the emergency protocol being activated. Dispatch operators governed the situation with a formal code green, signaling a ground emergency. The prevailing concern at the time was whether aircraft performance issues or security risks, including the possibility of hostage-taking affecting the 44 passengers and seven crew members, could be involved. The incident called for coordinated ground handling and rapid decision-making by air traffic control and airline dispatchers to prevent a broader disruption in airport operations.
Ground personnel and flying crews who responded to the event proceeded to move the aircraft to a safe location off the active taxiway and runway area, ensuring a clear path for incoming traffic and facilitating a thorough safety assessment. The operations were carried out with a focus on minimizing risk to passengers, crew, and airport workers while maintaining situational awareness for ongoing airport operations. The urgency observed by responders underscored the critical importance of strict adherence to runway clearance procedures and effective communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
Earlier records from Sheremetyevo airport’s customs division revealed the discovery of thousands of cigarettes stored in boxes that were likely destined for Canada and the United Kingdom, illustrating ongoing concerns about contraband and security checks at major international hubs. The seized items prompted additional review of cargo handling and passenger screening processes to strengthen regulatory compliance.
On a separate note, June 1 saw another security assessment at the airport perimeter when an object resembling an improvised explosive device was found near the international highway adjoining the airfield. The object was promptly isolated and sent for inspection by specialized teams, who confirmed the need for a cautious investigative approach. The incident highlighted the layered security measures in place to protect travelers and staff, as well as the constant vigilance required at busy aviation gateways.