Russia’s Transport Watchdog Steps In as Baggage Delays Hit Sheremetyevo

Russia’s federal transport oversight agency, Rostransnadzor, has launched an investigation into baggage delays at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport. The agency said it is now monitoring the situation and checking whether airlines and airport operators are following passenger rights laws.

Airport staff have started working to restore normal baggage handling after a system glitch caused holdups. Passengers are being updated on the status of their luggage, and inspectors are on site to ensure any violations are addressed.

The airport explained that the long waits stem from a mandatory 100% customs inspection of all international arrivals. Domestic travelers and passengers departing from Sheremetyevo are not affected and are being served as usual.

Officials also pushed back against rumors that the delays were linked to the earlier activation of a security protocol called “Kover” (Carpet), which briefly restricted flights on Sunday. That measure has since been lifted, and the airport says it is not the cause of the current congestion.

Rostransnadzor says it will continue to track the situation and enforce passenger protections as the airport works through the backlog.