Aeroflot announces possible cancellations of flights to Sochi and Gelendzhik due to imposed limitations
On August 8, temporary restrictions on takeoff and landing of aircraft at both Gelendzhik and Sochi Airports were imposed due to security concerns amid drone attack threats and active air defense operations in the region.
The restrictions at Sochi Airport were in effect twice on August 8, from 13:10 to 15:30 and from 19:10 to 21:25. As a result, 43 flights were redirected to alternate airports, causing some flight cancellations and forcing airlines such as Aeroflot and Rossiya Airlines to adjust their schedules.
During the restrictions, the situation at Sochi Airport remained stable, according to the airport press service, with passengers being accommodated in the waiting halls. The airport will serve a total of 100 outgoing flights and 92 incoming flights by the end of the day on August 9.
No new restrictions have been reported at Sochi Airport as of August 9, and the Federal Air Transport Agency announced that restrictions at Sochi Airport had been lifted, allowing the airport to resume normal operations. Similarly, Gelendzhik Airport resumed normal functioning by August 11, with operations and schedules being normalized following the lifting of temporary limitations.
The press service of Sochi Airport reported that on August 9, the airport is operating without restrictions according to the actual schedule. However, no information about the lifting of restrictions at Gelendzhik Airport has been provided.
Rosaviation has not reported on the lifting of restrictions at either Sochi or Gelendzhik Airports. Aeroflot has warned passengers about potential forced returns or ticket rebookings, while Russia Airlines issued a similar warning but did not report any flight cancellations.
As of 10:30 on August 9, 35 flights have been delayed by more than 2 hours at Sochi Airport. The start time for the restrictions at Gelendzhik Airport was 11:40 on August 8, but no further details about the duration or lifting of the restrictions have been reported.
The restrictions were imposed due to threats and active response to drone attacks targeting Sochi and its vicinity, triggering security lockdowns including limited airport operations. These security measures included evacuations from beaches and closures of some border checkpoints.
In summary, the temporary restrictions at Sochi and Gelendzhik Airports have been lifted, and both airports have resumed normal operations. Aeroflot and Russia Airlines have warned passengers about potential disruptions, and some flights have been delayed at Sochi Airport. The situation remains stable, and no new restrictions have been reported as of August 9.
Despite the lifted restrictions at Sochi and Gelendzhik Airports, some travelers may still encounter delays due to the adjustments made by airlines like Aeroflot and Rossiya Airlines. Meanwhile, a lifestyle change, involving more flexibility and patience, might be necessary for travelers during such uncertain times.
