During the morning of December 2, more than 50 flights faced delays or cancellations across Moscow’s three major airports: Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Sheremetyevo. The information comes from data provided by Yandex Programs, which tracks real-time aviation movements and weather-related disruptions in the region.
As of 08:45 Moscow time, the breakdown showed 14 flights delayed and seven canceled at Vnukovo. Domodedovo reported 14 delays and two cancellations, while Sheremetyevo logged 16 delays. Officials attributed these disruptions to adverse weather conditions, based on preliminary assessments from airport operations and meteorological services. The pattern of disruptions reflected a broader trend of winter weather affecting air travel, with conditions varying across different terminals and flight paths within the same metropolitan area.
Earlier in the week, on November 30, roughly half a dozen flights were unable to depart or were diverted, with a number of cancellations noted at Moscow’s airports. The steady drumbeat of weather-related advisories underscored the ongoing challenge for travelers and airline schedulers as winter weather intensified in parts of Russia.
Forecasts issued by the Scientific Director of the Russian Hydrometeorological Center, Roman Vilfand, warned of an unusually cold spell sweeping toward the nation’s regions. According to Vilfand, frosts could reach extreme levels in certain areas, with temperatures potentially dropping to between minus 40 and minus 50 degrees Celsius. Such severe cold has the potential to impact airport operations, road conditions, and energy demands, making proper planning essential for travelers and residents alike.
In Moscow, the weather forecast for Saturday, December 2 called for sleet and light snowfall, with temperatures dipping to about minus 7 degrees Celsius. The combination of precipitation and subfreezing temperatures tends to create slick runways, reduced visibility, and longer ground handling times, all of which contribute to flight delays and occasional cancellations. Airport authorities typically coordinate closely with meteorological services to implement safety measures while minimizing disruption to schedules where possible.
Compounding these weather concerns, authorities issued a storm warning for December 3 in the Moscow region. Such warnings indicate the potential for high winds, heavy precipitation, and other hazardous conditions that may affect aviation, public transit, and outdoor activities. Residents and travelers are advised to monitor official guidance, prepare for possible service interruptions, and adjust plans accordingly to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience.
In this context, it is important to note that weather-related disruptions often create ripple effects across transportation networks. Delays at one airport can cascade into longer wait times, missed connections, and rebookings at others, especially during peak travel periods. Travelers are encouraged to verify the status of their flights close to departure time, consider flexible routing options, and stay informed through reliable meteorological and aviation sources that provide timely updates on weather conditions, runway statuses, and contingency plans.
Experts emphasize the value of proactive preparation during cold-season periods. This includes warming up cars and ensuring winter equipment is ready, as well as monitoring public advisories about frost advisories, ice accumulation, and wind chill factors. By staying informed, travelers can minimize stress and navigate weather-related disruptions with greater ease, making room for contingency strategies such as alternate travel dates or different carriers if necessary.