Moscow Airspace Shut Down by Russia Amid Drone Threats

Civil Aircraft Banned From Flying in Moscow Air Zone

According to Главком: Starting June 2026, Russia will prohibit civilian aircraft from flying at altitudes up to 5,100 meters within the Moscow air zone. The decision comes as air defense systems struggle to counter drone attacks. This restriction applies to the Moscow Flight Information Region, spanning from the Belarusian border in the west to the Yekaterinburg and Samara zones in the east.

Who Is Affected and Who Can Still Fly

The ban covers:

• general aviation planes;
• private helicopters;
• business jets operating unscheduled flights.

However, regular and charter flights, medical and evacuation missions, aerial chemical work, pipeline and power line monitoring, and government-contracted aviation operations are exempt from these restrictions.

Official pilot notices detailing the new rules are expected soon, though the document sets no end date for the ban. Moscow authorities have also prohibited the dissemination of photos or videos showing the aftermath of drone strikes, terrorist acts, or sabotage. This restriction applies to media outlets, emergency services, organizations, and private citizens.

Drone attacks have already been reported in Moscow and the surrounding region. For instance, an explosion occurred on Mosfilmovskaya Street, damaging a residential complex. According to Sergey Sobyanin,

“the building’s 36th floor had walls blown out in three rooms.”

These incidents highlight why the new airspace restrictions are being implemented. By banning most civilian flights in the Moscow air zone, Russia is acknowledging the serious security risks posed by drone warfare. The measures will disrupt regional aviation operations but still allow critical flights, such as medical evacuations. This reflects a tightening of government control over airspace in response to evolving threats from modern combat technologies.

The recent airspace restrictions in Moscow highlight a broader trend of increasing government control over public safety measures. As the city braces for potential security threats, residents should also be aware of upcoming mobile service limitations during holiday periods, which could further impact daily life and communication in the region.