Russian aviation authorities reported that Moscow’s Vnukovo, Dementyevo and Sheremetyevo airports have returned to normal operations after a period of disruption caused by weather conditions. The update came from TASS, the state news agency, which noted that the overall air traffic flow began to stabilize as fresh weather data came in and crews completed the necessary safety checks. Flights that were initially affected by drifting snow and reduced visibility gradually resumed standard schedules, with airport teams coordinating closely to ensure passenger safety while minimizing delays.
Meanwhile, Zhukovsky Airport did not see a major impact on its schedule, despite heavy snowfall in the region. The airport did implement a brief temporary pause to clear the runway from accumulated precipitation, which occurred around 06:00 local time. Once the runway was cleared, operations continued, and passengers were advised to monitor the latest flight information for any changes. The quick response helped maintain a largely consistent timetable through the morning hours.
In Vnukovo, Domodedovo and other nearby hubs, authorities implemented short-lived operational restrictions to manage safety checks and ground handling procedures. The limits on aircraft acceptance and release at Vnukovo lasted about 1.5 hours, while Domodedovo observed a similar but slightly shorter interval of action, lasting just under 30 minutes. Both airports enforced restrictions from roughly 05:00 to 06:33, reflecting a cautious approach to weather-related risks while keeping disruption to a minimum for travelers and staff alike.
Earlier reports noted a delay in about 45 flights across Moscow’s airports, illustrating how rapidly weather conditions can ripple through a busy air system. The situation prompted airlines to adjust schedule resources, reallocate gate space, and offer guidance to passengers navigating altered itineraries. Airport operations teams worked to provide timely information and support at passenger touchpoints, helping to minimize the impact on onward connections.
According to the latest figures around 07:50 Moscow time, Sheremetyevo had around 13 flights delayed and two canceled, Vnukovo reported 14 delays and three cancellations, and Domodedovo logged 13 delays with three additional cancellations. These numbers reflect the ongoing tug-of-war between weather realities and the airport’s mission to keep critical routes open. Airlines coordinated with air traffic control to optimize runway usage and gate assignment in a coordinated response to fluctuating conditions.
Authorities described the snowfall in Moscow as one of the strongest in the last four decades, with significant accumulations and rapid changes impacting visibility and surface conditions. The event prompted heightened attention to snow removal, de-icing operations, and contingency planning across the metro area, as airports and ground services prioritized safety and reliability for travelers and commerce alike.
Beyond the city limits, severe weather also affected adjacent regions. In the Poltava region, harsh weather led to power outages affecting an estimated 437 settlements during the early hours of the event, underscoring how winter storms can overflow regional infrastructure and disrupt routine services. Emergency services were deployed to restore power and support affected communities, while coordinating with regional authorities to ensure essential transportation corridors remained as functional as possible under challenging conditions.