Russia Shuts Down Yaroslavl and Ivanovo Airports
Yaroslavl's Tunoshna Airport and Ivanovo's Yuzhny Airport Becomes Off-limits for Aircraft
The skies over Yaroslavl took another tumble as Tunoshna Airport was once again restricted, a decision made at 3:20 PM Moscow time by Rosaviatsiya's official representative, Artem Korenyako. In a similar turn of events, Ivanovo (Yuzhny) Airport followed suit, denying acceptance and departure of flights.
This sudden regression comes after a brief period of respite following the suspension of air traffic at 11:35 AM Moscow time on May 6. Interestingly, it was only an hour after this decision when the skies over Yaroslavl were closed anew.
RBC Group reports that the restriction for Tunoshna Airport had been in effect since 5:20 PM Moscow time on May 6. The disruptive cast includes drone encounters—three of which were intercepted in the morning of May 7, as announced by Governor Mikhail Yevraev on his Telegram channel. Thankfully, there were no damages or casualties. However, he urged locals to keep their distance from the drone debris and contact emergency services, while also warning of temporary mobile internet restrictions due to drone threats in the region.
Tensions in the air have driven Russian airports to reschedule operations. Aeroflot, for one, acknowledged the potential for flight cancellations or consolidations due to the increased attacks by Ukrainian drones. Some flights have been diverted to Pulkovo in St. Petersburg as temporary solutions. According to the Northwest Transport Prosecutor's Office, Pulkovo welcomed 74 aircraft as an alternate airport on May 6 and 7.
Passengers are strongly advised to double-check the status of their flights before venturing out to the airport. Be prepared for delays or cancellations, and arm yourself with patience as the situation unfolds.
These restrictions are part of a wider security response against drones that pose a threat, not just to Moscow, but also to the wider region, including Yaroslavl and Ivanovo. Air travelers across the country have borne the brunt of this escalating threat, with hundreds of flights either canceled or delayed.
As more drone incursions multiplied across the Moscow region and beyond, authorities were prompted to implement a security protocol known as Plan 'Kover', initially announced for Zhukovsky airport but rapidly extended to include airports like Tunoshna (Yaroslavl) and Yuzhny (Ivanovo).
These restrictions have resulted in sweeping bans and temporary halts on arrivals and departures, causing delays, rerouted flights, and heightened vigilance among airlines such as Aeroflot.
- The Telegram channel of Governor Mikhail Yevraev announced three drone encounters at Tunoshna Airport in Yaroslavl on May 7.
- The authorities' response to increasing drone threats includes the implementation of Plan 'Kover', which has led to restrictions at airports like Tunoshna and Yuzhny in Ivanovo.
- Aeroflot, an airline affected by these drone attacks, acknowledged the potential for flight cancellations or consolidations due to the increased security measures at various airports.
- In the finance industry, the aerospace sector has been significantly impacted by these drone threats and the subsequent airport closures and delays.
