Over 350 flights in and out of Moscow were delayed or rerouted in early May after Ukrainian drones entered Russian airspace, just days before the country’s planned Victory Day parade. Russian authorities reported that nearly 60,000 passengers faced travel disruptions between 6 and 8 May. Some passengers were stuck in planes for hours as airports closed or diverted traffic. The Federal Air Transport Agency warned of ongoing delays as the effects rippled across central Russia.
Drone Attacks Ground Flights Across Moscow
Moscow’s three major airports—Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo—faced repeated shutdowns over three days. Officials claimed multiple drones were shot down near the capital, but disruptions persisted.
The sudden drone presence triggered emergency security protocols. Flights were diverted to cities like St. Petersburg, Kazan, and even Baku in Azerbaijan. Airlines scrambled to find landing slots, and the backlog created chaos across Russian airspace.
One high-profile diversion involved Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s plane. The aircraft was originally heading to Moscow but was rerouted to Baku due to airspace concerns.
Serbian Leader Barred from EU Airspace
President Vučić’s rerouted flight highlighted growing political tensions around Russia’s Victory Day celebrations. Serbia’s state broadcaster reported that active combat operations made Russian airspace unsafe. Yet the disruption was not limited to safety.
Lithuania and Latvia denied the Serbian president’s plane permission to fly over their territories. Officials cited the “political and diplomatic sensitivity” of attending Moscow’s military event during wartime.
Other European leaders faced similar issues. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico also saw his route blocked by Poland and Lithuania, putting his trip on hold. Estonia issued a blanket refusal for any official delegations traveling to Russia.
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna strongly opposed the Victory Day event. He said it served as war propaganda and urged EU member states to stay away from Russian military displays.
Russia Declares Ceasefire, Ukraine Calls It a Political Move
Amid growing tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a four-day ceasefire starting 8 May. The Kremlin said it would suspend military operations until 11 May and asked Ukraine to do the same. Officials claimed the move was meant to allow safe celebrations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the proposal. He described the ceasefire as a political ploy aimed at softening Russia’s global image. Zelenskyy added that Ukraine could not ensure the safety of any foreign officials planning to attend Victory Day events in Russian territory.
Despite the truce, Russia launched missile and drone strikes on Kyiv during the night of 8 May. Two people were killed, and eight were injured, including four children. Loud explosions rocked several districts, marking another deadly attack on the capital.
Mounting Security and Diplomatic Tensions
The drone disruptions, combined with international flight restrictions and continued attacks on Kyiv, reflect a sharp rise in tensions as Russia pushes forward with symbolic wartime events.
According to aviation authorities, cascading flight delays are expected to continue throughout the week. Russian airlines are working to reorganize schedules, but ongoing threats may keep Moscow’s skies turbulent.
Meanwhile, the decision by multiple EU countries to block diplomatic flights shows a coordinated effort to isolate Moscow politically. With global attention on Victory Day, the divide between Russia and Europe appears wider than ever.
As drones darkened Moscow’s skies and European airspace narrowed, the events of early May exposed the fragile state of Russia’s domestic and international relations. The air travel chaos, failed ceasefire, and diplomatic barriers reveal the growing impact of war beyond the battlefield.