MARKET STRUCTURE · UKRAINE
Moscow shuts all international airports after drone interceptions
The Hindu
22 Feb · 10:23 PM
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Russia imposed air traffic restrictions closing Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports on Feb. 22, 2026 until further notice after air defenses shot down 11 Ukrainian drones near Moscow within an hour.
Why it matters
The restrictions apply across all four of Moscow’s international airports, concentrating disruption across the capital’s primary passenger and freight gateways. With the closure set “until further notice,” airlines and airport operators face open-ended uncertainty on slot availability, crew rotations, and aircraft positioning. The incident also increases the probability of knock-on delays and cancellations across connected networks that rely on Moscow as a hub. The stated trigger—multiple drones intercepted near the city in a short window—raises the likelihood of repeated short-notice suspensions when similar alerts occur.
Implications
- • Open-ended suspension of Moscow airport operations and slot availability
- • Immediate rerouting and network delays for carriers serving Moscow
- • Higher operational risk and insurance exposure for Moscow-area flights
- • Potential cargo bottlenecks through Moscow air gateways
Who is affected
- • Airlines operating passenger and cargo flights to/from Moscow
- • Moscow airport operators (Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhukovsky, Sheremetyevo)
- • Air cargo forwarders and logistics firms routing via Moscow
- • Passengers and corporate travel managers with Moscow itineraries
Source
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