Thirteen airports in southern Russia have ceased operations following a drone strike that reportedly hit an air navigation service building in Rostov-on-Don. The incident has led to significant disruptions, with over 80 flights delayed or canceled, stranding at least 14,000 passengers in waiting areas.
The Russian authorities confirmed that the strike targeted the administrative office of the Southern Air Navigation company. As a result, flights have been suspended in several cities, including:
- Sochi
- Volgograd
- Krasnodar
- Grozny
- Astrakhan
- Vladikavkaz
- Gelendzhik
- Makhachkala
- Magas
- Mineralnye Vody
- Nalchik
- Stavropol
- Elista
The Russian Ministry of Transport has instructed airlines to arrange alternative transportation for affected passengers, including trains and buses. The timeline for resuming flights is expected to be announced soon.
Earlier reports indicated that multiple Russian cities were targeted by drones overnight on May 8. A fire broke out at the Yaroslavl oil refinery, and another industrial facility in Rostov-on-Don was also affected. Drones were also spotted over Moscow, where the city’s mayor reported their interception.
In response to ongoing attacks, Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine would mirror Russia’s actions, emphasizing a commitment to retaliate swiftly. Despite a declared ceasefire from May 8 to 10, Russian forces reportedly continued their assaults, with over 140 shellings and more than 850 drone strikes recorded by 7:00 AM on May 8.
A drone strike in Rostov-on-Don has led to the suspension of operations at 13 airports in southern Russia, affecting thousands of passengers. The incident is part of a broader escalation in hostilities between Ukraine and Russia, with Ukraine responding to ongoing attacks.