The shutdown follows a surge in which 403 UAVs flew toward Moscow between Friday and Saturday. Earlier raids on October 9 triggered the "Carpet" emergency protocol, delaying over 370 flights and canceling more than 100, including one Antalya-bound trip delayed for 18 hours. Those attacks also diverted the Il-96 aircraft carrying Vladimir Putin to Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg upon his return from Turkmenistan. The Russian military identifies some of the incursions as MVSh balloons used for reconnaissance and strikes.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Story
Ukraine Grounds All Moscow Flight Traffic in Fresh Drone Raid
War9 days ago
Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo airports suspended all takeoffs and landings on October 11 after at least 12 Ukrainian drones were detected over the city. The total halt of air traffic forced officials to ground all flights and scramble defenses across the capital, continuing a period of intensifying aerial pressure on the region's aviation infrastructure.
Looking for more context or analysis?
Tilt chat provides reliable, tailored insights, alerts, and automations.