The number of prolonged flight delays in Russia during the incomplete first five months of 2026 has doubled on average compared to last year, the number of cancellations has quadrupled, and cancellations following delays have more than tripled.
According to the Russian publication, schedule disruptions in 2026 began in January due to abnormal snowfalls, with the situation later worsening due to mass flight cancellations linked to the war in the Middle East. Another reason for the delays and cancellations is Ukrainian drone attacks, which force temporary airport closures.
According to Dallas Analytics investigation, Russia has deployed a large-scale logistics scheme to bypass sanctions, using civilian cargo flights to supply critical components for its military-industrial complex.
On May 8, amid a drone attack, Russian authorities suspended operations at airports in Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Sochi, Stavropol, and Elista.
The Russian ministry stated that operations at the regional center in Rostov-on-Don, which manages air traffic in southern Russia, were temporarily adjusted. The cause was a UAV strike on the administrative building of the Aeronavigation of South of Russia branch.