Russian authorities temporarily closed Moscow's airports following an air-raid alert

Four airports in the Moscow area were temporarily closed on Friday after an air raid alert was issued in the region. Arrivals and departures were suspended, and passengers were evacuated from the terminals. The measure was taken amid an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that air defense forces had initially destroyed four drones heading toward the city. Approximately 30 minutes later, the mayor said that two more unmanned aircraft had been shot down.

Russian authorities dispatched emergency crews to collect fragments resulting from the destruction of the drones. Debris from one aircraft was observed on the runway of Sheremetyevo International Airport “Alexander Pushkin,” the largest airport near Moscow. No casualties or major damage were reported. The resumption of airport operations was expected to depend on the completion of inspections and the lifting of the alert. Information about the attack came from statements by Russian officials and reports in the Ukrainian press.