Fuel operations resumed in Sochi following a drone attack.
Flight delays continue at Sochi Airport following drone attacks that disrupted operations on August 9, 2025. Despite the resumption of fuel operator services, there are still about 25 flights delayed for more than two hours, with a total of 114 flights scheduled for departure that day.
Earlier on August 9, up to 57 flights were reported delayed and one canceled, reflecting ongoing disruptions linked to repeated airspace restrictions triggered by drone threats. The temporary restrictions were imposed by the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) twice on August 8 and continued into August 9 due to the drone threats and ensuing security measures.
The disruptions have broadly impacted flights both domestic and international, including routes from Moscow and other major cities, as well as some international destinations. While fuel operator services at the airport have resumed since the drone incident, the airport is still experiencing delays because of ongoing security protocols and airspace management complexities following the incidents. Large crowds formed at the airport as flights were held up for several hours, indicating that operations have not yet fully normalized.
The temporary restrictions at Sochi Airport were due to a drone crash on an oil depot in Adler District. To normalize the situation and adjust schedules, airlines imposed a limit of up to 5 flights per hour for aircraft servicing. Flights arrived with delays during the restrictions, putting additional strain on the airport's infrastructure. Airlines were forced to divert their flights from Sochi for refueling to other airports due to the temporary restrictions.
One of the two fuel operators at the air hub was restored the previous evening, and the airport's press service announced the restoration of the fuel operator services. Necessary control checks, including sample taking and tank testing, were conducted before the restoration.
As the airport continues to recover from the temporary restrictions, it is expected to handle an additional 56 outbound flights and 61 inbound flights throughout the day. The total number of outbound flights handled by Sochi Airport since the restrictions were lifted is 140, and the total number of inbound flights is currently 104.
In summary, although essential services like fuel handling have restarted, flight delays at Sochi Airport persist, with numerous flights delayed by hours amid continuous caution and restricted airspace due to drone attack threats. The airport's recovery is ongoing, with more flights expected throughout the day.
The disruptions in the transportation industry extend beyond aviation, affecting public-transit systems as well, due to increased strain on airport infrastructure during the flight delays. The financial repercussions of these delays are cumulative, with both airlines and passengers incurring significant losses due to canceled or delayed flights in the finance sector.
