Delays multiply at Sochi airport, affecting 16 flights
Sochi Airport is operating normally as of the current time, following a drone attack that occurred on August 3, 2025. The attack targeted a fuel depot near the airport, causing a large fire that temporarily halted operations for safety reasons.
The attack, believed to have been carried out by Ukrainian drones, hit a fuel depot operated by Rosneft near Sochi International Airport. The fire in the tank, holding around 2,000 cubic meters of fuel, was brought under control by emergency crews with over 120 personnel and 30 firefighting units.
In response to the fire and safety concerns, Russia’s civil aviation authority (Rosaviatsia) temporarily suspended flights to ensure air safety. However, flights resumed shortly after the fire was contained, resulting in a decrease of delays caused by the attack.
To serve passengers and aircraft during peak loads due to forced schedule adjustments, all services at the airport have been reinforced with personnel. Airlines are working with passengers to provide necessary services according to legal requirements. The airport's staff and airlines have been coordinating efforts to minimize the impact of the drone attack on flight schedules.
Despite the incident, it is not clear if there were any injuries or casualties as a result of the drone attack. The specific drone model or the number of drones involved in the attack was not specified.
By 10:00, the number of flights delayed by more than two hours was reduced to 16. As of 11:30, five aircraft have returned from alternate airports. One flight, FV-6204 from Samara to Sochi, remains at an alternate airport due to the crew's rest time.
An operational headquarters has been established at Sochi Airport to make necessary decisions. The airport's staff and airlines are coordinating efforts to stabilize the flight schedule within two days.
It is worth noting that buildings in a garage cooperative on Aviatsionnaya were also hit by drone debris, but no casualties were reported. The threat of drone attacks has been lifted, and there is no current danger to the residents and guests of Sochi.
News reports from August 4 indicate a resumption of activity shortly after the incident on August 3, suggesting a quick recovery. The exact timing of full recovery was not explicitly stated, but the short suspension and rapid response indicate a swift return to normal operations for Sochi Airport.
References: 1. kyivindependent.com 2. united24media.com 3. pravda.com.ua
- Following the drone attack near Sochi International Airport, individuals seeking to maintain their travel plans may need to adjust their lifestyles temporarily, as there might be delays in flights.
- With the resumption of flights at Sochi Airport post-drone attack, sports enthusiasts might find new opportunities to engage in their favorite activities, given the potential for increased leisure travel due to the timely recovery from the incident.
