Nation on Edge: Russia Simultaneously Halts Operations at Seven Airports Following Night Explosions
On the night of October 17 to 18, the Russian Federation experienced a sudden and widespread suspension of air traffic at seven major airports across the country.
The most affected was the airport in the resort city of Sochi, where 27 flights were delayed — both departing and arriving.
According to sources, including Rosaviatsiya, Russian media, and popular Telegram channels, the situation is quite tense.
Specifically, Telegram channel Mash reported that two aircraft are circling in the sky unable to land, while other flights remain delayed.
Besides Sochi, service was also suspended at airports in Tunosna (Yaroslavl), Grabtsevo (Kaluga), Strigino (Nizhny Novgorod), Kurumoch (Samara), Baratayevka (Ulyanovsk), and Penza.
Preliminary reports indicate these measures were triggered by a series of missile and drone attacks, which, according to official statements, Russian air defenses were attempting to intercept.
Explosions were heard in Sochi during the night of October 17, with authorities claiming to repel targets in the sky.
Additionally, flight restrictions were imposed in nine airports across several regions of Russia, significantly impacting the country’s air traffic operations.