Moscow Snowstorm Threatens Flight Delays and Cancellations

A heavy snowstorm blanketing Moscow could throw air travel into disarray, with officials warning of potential delays and cancellations at the city’s airports. Russia’s Transport Ministry announced Monday that the unusual late-April weather may force airlines to adjust schedules for both incoming and outgoing flights.

The storm, which has already dumped half of April’s normal monthly precipitation in a single day, is expected to continue through Tuesday. Evgeny Tishkovets, a lead forecaster at the Phobos Weather Center, described conditions as “tricky” and likely to worsen. He predicted gusty snow squalls, sporadic whiteout conditions with visibility dropping to as low as 600 meters, and even the possibility of a “dry” thunderstorm. Travelers can expect a messy mix of heavy wet snow, sleet, and ice pellets.

Any disruptions are tied to the practical challenges of keeping airports operational. Ground crews will need to clear runways, taxiways, and aprons of accumulating snow, while aircraft must be sprayed with de-icing fluid before takeoff. These procedures take time and can cause ripple effects across flight schedules.

Passengers flying into or out of Moscow’s airports should check with their airlines for the latest updates and prepare for possible hold-ups. The Transport Ministry advises allowing extra travel time as the region digs out from this unseasonable spring storm.