Flight Disruptions and Delays: User Guide for Actions and Support Provision

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Temporary chaos in Russian skies on May 6-7: A drone attack chaos in Russian airports

(Photo Credit: Alexei BULATOV, KP Photo Bank)

On May 6 and the wee hours of May 7, a series of disruptions hit airports across central Russia and the Volga region. All four airports in Moscow, Sochi, Kazan, Nizhnekamsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Kirov, Yaroslavl, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, Ivanovo, and Kaluga were affected.

The mayhem caused by the unexpected happenings saw around 350 flights and 60,000 passengers caught in a coil of cancellations and delays, according to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia.

Currently, flights are back in action, but the schedule is still haywire despite the best efforts of airlines and airports. Any substantial delay in a flight sets off a wave of subsequent delays, forming a "domino effect."

Are you ready for a wild ride in the sky? Here's what you can expect when unexpected delays hit your flight

MOVING TARGETS, UNPREDICTABLE QUEUES: What to anticipate during flight delays and cancellations

The disruptive twin days posed challenges not only for domestic flights but also popular international routes, such as Antalya, Istanbul, Dubai, Dalaman, Bodrum from Vnukovo, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Domodedovo.

Many aircraft were diverted to alternate airports, with Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg handling around 70 such unplanned arrivals. For a large airport, this was quite a heavy workload.

With several upcoming holiday weekends, airport passenger traffic is expected to surge even more.

Here's a handy guide to help you navigate through the chaos in case of flight cancellations or delays: where to find trustworthy information, how to stay stress-free during unexpected waits, and what assistance you deserve.

Keeping a sharp eye on the flight information displays can help you keep up with the latest updates on your flight's new departure time.

YOUR SOURCE OF TRUTH: Where to find out the right info about your flight

The reliable, swift online board - take a peek at the online board on the airport's website or, if you're already at the airport, just look at the board itself. It's practical to check both the departure and arrival airport's board - sometimes information updates quicker on one of them. This approach helps you keep track of the departure time of connecting flights and at least know if your flight is heading in the right direction.
The call center, while it might take a while and lines might be busy now, is another option you can rely on.
Your airline's direct notifications - airlines notify passengers about schedule changes via SMS, email, and phone calls, so it's smart to provide accurate contact details when buying an airline ticket. You can add these details to your booking later as well.

STAYING COMFORTABLE: Surviving flight delays

Stay updated: Check the board regularly to keep track of any changes in the departure time.
Keep your device juiced up: Finding a charging spot is easier now with the abundance of charging stations in airports.
Upgrade your lounging experience: When possible, try to access the business lounge, especially in Moscow and other large airports. Business lounges offer comfy seating, food, drinks, separate restrooms, children's rooms, and sometimes even showers. Many (not all) business lounges can be accessed on the spot for around 3,500 rubles for 4 hours. This could be a more budget-friendly option compared to buying food, drinks, and coffee at airport cafes.
Stay fed and hydrated: If your flight is delayed by more than 2 hours, the airline must provide passengers with water, and by more than 4 hours, with hot food, according to Rosaviatsiya regulations.
Install in a cozy bed: If your flight is delayed by more than 6 hours at night and more than 8 hours during the day, the airline must accommodate passengers in a hotel and organize transportation to it, according to Russia's Federal Aviation Rules[2]. However, during periods of mass delays, there may not be enough hotel rooms for everyone near the airport, and airlines might struggle to fulfill this legal requirement. Finding your own hotel room, keeping the receipt, and then asking the airline for compensation could be a good backup plan.

Airlines usually offer to rebook your ticket to the next available flights without any additional fees.

ON-THE-SPOT ALTERNATIVES: What to do when your plane lands at an unplanned airport

Passengers are entitled to the same services as those with delayed flights: drinks, food, and hotel accommodation, depending on the waiting time. However, in reality, you might have to stay in the plane for a long time if the airline intends to depart soon. Additionally, there might not be enough jet bridges or buses to transport passengers to the terminal if multiple unexpected landings have occurred.

Once you are eventually disembarked and make your way to the terminal, follow the procedures for passengers with delayed flights.

A TRAIN OPTION FOR BACKUP SITUATIONS – When the emergency airfield is relatively close-by, like in the case of Moscow flights that are often redirected to St. Petersburg or Nizhny Novgorod, a high-speed train could be a convenient quick solution to reach your destination. However, your luggage is unlikely to be offloaded – you'll have to head back to the airport for it later.

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[1] RosPilot – Russia's DJI drone app[2] Federal Aviation Rules approved by the order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation No. 82 dated June 28, 2007[3] ATOUR statement on the temporary flight restrictions (updated on May 7, 2025) – http://www.atour.org/en/news/atour-statement-on-the-temporary-flight-restrictions.html

The disruption in air travel on May 6-7 affected not only the schedule of domestic flights but also popular international routes for sports, lifestyle, and travel enthusiasts, such as Antalya, Istanbul, Dubai, Dalaman, Bodrum from Vnukovo, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi from Domodedovo.
As you navigate through the chaos caused by unexpected flight delays or cancellations, it's essential to keep in mind that the weather conditions in your destination could significantly impact your overall travel experience, especially when it comes to outdoor activities like sports or leisurely explorations of the city.