Moscow airports hit by hundreds of flight disruptions amid reported drone and balloon attacks
More than 200 flights were delayed and around 100 canceled at Moscow's airports following reports of a large-scale drone attack on the Russian capital and surrounding region on October 9. Russian media also reported the presence of small airborne balloons.
Flight restrictions were imposed at all four airports serving Moscow — Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky — amid the reported aerial threat. Three airports remained closed overnight, according to Ukrainian media reports.
Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov reported that a drone strike in Podolsk, south of Moscow, set three cars on fire and shattered windows in a nearby apartment building.
According to Vorobyov, one man was killed and a woman was injured. The casualty reports have not been independently verified.
Russian Telegram channel Astra and Ukrainian monitoring channel Exilenova+ reported that small airborne balloons had also been detected over Moscow and the surrounding region.
The reports of balloons have not been independently confirmed, and their origin and purpose remain unclear.
Residents of several southern Moscow districts, including Kapotnya, Lyublino, Maryino and Tsaritsyno, reported hearing explosions and air defense activity.
The reported attack caused widespread disruption to air travel, with more than 200 flights delayed and approximately 100 canceled.
Ukraine has not publicly claimed responsibility for the reported attack.
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