On October 6, 2026, the V. P. Chkalov International Airport in Nizhny Novgorod received 14 aircraft that had originally been bound for airports of the Moscow air hub. The cause was temporary restrictions on the acceptance and dispatch of aircraft imposed at the capital's airports.[1][2]

Circumstances of the Event

On the night of October 2, 2026, flight restrictions had already been introduced in Nizhny Novgorod because of the threat of unmanned aerial vehicles.[3] On October 4, Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport temporarily suspended flight operations; on the same day, Rosaviatsia announced that the restrictions at Sheremetyevo had been lifted.[4] On October 5, three flights were delayed at Chkalov Airport: the departure to Sochi was moved from 2:50 p.m. to 3:50 p.m., the flight from Batumi arrived at 11:15 a.m. instead of 10:50 a.m., and the flight from Sochi arrived at 2:50 p.m.[5] On the morning of October 6, two more flights were affected by delays: the departure to Sochi was pushed from 2:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the arrival from Sochi was expected at 2:30 p.m.[6]

The restrictions in the Moscow air hub, in effect on the night of October 5–6, led to mass rerouting of aircraft: Chkalov Airport served as the main alternate airfield for Moscow's air harbors.[1][2]

Airport Operations in Enhanced Mode

According to the airport's press service, all Chkalov services were switched to an enhanced mode of operation. Airline representatives and airport staff worked with the passengers of the forcibly delayed flights: people were provided with food and drinks. Drinking fountains were operating in the terminal; if necessary, additional water coolers were planned to be installed, along with soft furnishings such as pouffes and mattresses. A mother-and-child room was opened for passengers with children.[1][2]

Resolution of the Situation

By the time the reports were published, the flight restrictions in Moscow had been lifted. Some of the aircraft had already left Nizhny Novgorod, while the remaining flights were being prepared for departure to their destination airports. Passengers were advised to follow the announcements over the public address system and the information on the online departure boards.[1][2]

Sources

  1. NIA Nizhny Novgorod — Nizhny Novgorod Airport Receives 14 Flights Bound for Moscow Nizhny Novgorod News (archive)
  2. Vremya N — Nizhny Novgorod Airport Receives 14 Flights Bound for Moscow (archive)
  3. Newsroom24 — Sochi-Bound Plane Delayed in Nizhny Novgorod for an Hour — Transport (archive)
  4. Interfax — Moscow's Sheremetyevo and Nizhny Novgorod's Strigino Resume Operations (archive)
  5. Vremya N — Three Flights Delayed at Nizhny Novgorod Airport on the Morning of October 5 (archive)
  6. Vremya N — Two Flights Delayed at Nizhny Novgorod Airport (archive)