Russia Lifts Flight Ban to Southern Airports After Drone Incident

Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, has scrapped a flight restriction that grounded planes at 13 airports across the country’s south, allowing airlines to resume services immediately. The agency announced on May 8 that the so-called NOTAM—a notice to airmen—is no longer in effect, and carriers are now submitting updated flight schedules for the day.

The original ban came after a Ukrainian drone struck an administrative building of the state air navigation branch in Rostov-on-Don on May 7, prompting the Transport Ministry to temporarily close airports. Rosaviatsia initially set the suspension through May 12 but left the door open for an earlier lift.

Now, the agency says its air traffic management subsidiary is ready to handle flights at all 13 affected airports: Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Sochi, Stavropol, and Elista. Airlines are working with the Transport Ministry and Rosaviatsia to finalize their new flight plans for the day.

Passengers who had trips disrupted should check with their airlines for rebooking or refund options. The quick reversal suggests authorities are confident in restored safety measures at these hubs.