Airports in Moscow and the Moscow region operate regularly – Rosaviatsia

Airports in Moscow and the Moscow region have returned to normal operation, RIA Novosti reports, citing a statement from the Federal Air Transport Agency.

Earlier, the Baza Telegram channel reported that the “Carpet” mode was announced at Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports, which is introduced when unknown or dangerous objects are spotted in the sky. Reportedly, all planes flying to these airports were redirected to Sheremetyevo Airport.

“Early this morning, August 20, 2023, in order to ensure the safety of civil aircraft flights, flights to Moscow’s Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports were temporarily restricted,” the Federal Air Transport Agency said. 6 flights were diverted to alternate airports, all of them landed successfully.

Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that at night, air defense forces prevented an attempt to fly a drone into the capital from the south. Earlier at night, it was reported about the introduction of the “Carpet” mode due to the threat of an UAV attack on the territory of Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports. Departures and arrivals of planes were delayed.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the drone was neutralized at about 4.00 Moscow time. It is noted that the drone was of an aircraft type and flew in the direction of Moscow. It was detected and neutralized over the territory of the Stupinsky district of the Moscow region.

The previous attempt to hit targets in Moscow with a drone was made by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the night of August 18. Sergei Sobyanin then reported on the fall of the wreckage of the UAV after the work of air defense in the Expocentre area. According to the mayor of the city, it did not cause significant damage.