More than 200 Moscow departures delayed after overnight flight restrictions

More than 200 departing flights at Moscow's four airports were delayed on the morning of October 16 following overnight flight restrictions, Interfax reported from airport departure boards.

At the time of its check, Interfax counted more than 120 delayed departures at Vnukovo, over 80 at Sheremetyevo, 15 at Domodedovo and three at Zhukovsky. The figures are a morning snapshot rather than a full-day total.

Restrictions began late on October 15. They were lifted around 5 a.m. at Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo and around 6 a.m. at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky. Restrictions also affected airports in the Volga region, Yaroslavl, Tambov, Pskov and other cities overnight. Pulkovo's closure affected services from Kaliningrad.

Aeroflot reported delays and cancellations at Sheremetyevo and said some aircraft had diverted. The return of some flights depends on airports reopening and compliance with crew working time limits.

Vnukovo said restoring the timetable depended on aircraft and crew availability. Some aircraft had remained at diversion airports because restrictions were also imposed there.

Passengers were advised to check flight status before travelling to the airport. Vnukovo said many ticket changes and refunds could be handled online.