Emerging
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Sheremetyevo Airport Evacuates Passengers After Drone Threat in Moscow Region
Sheremetyevo Airport evacuated passengers on June 18 after a drone threat linked to an overnight attack on the Moscow region. The airport restricted flight operations until 08:30 Moscow time, while officials said 52 drones were shot down and several sites were damaged.
Quick Facts
Who
Sheremetyevo Airport
What
Passengers were evacuated to safe areas, including from aircraft
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Sheremetyevo Airport
- Passengers were evacuated to safe areas, including from aircraft
- Airport access between parking areas and terminals was restricted
- Takeoffs and landings were limited until 08:30 Moscow time
- Arriving flights were diverted to alternate airports
- Airport staff organized the return of passengers from shelters
Passengers were evacuated at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport on June 18 after a drone threat linked to an overnight attack on the Moscow region, according to airport statements cited by Russian media. People were moved to safe areas, including from aircraft, while the airport said access between parking areas and terminals was restricted.
The airport limited takeoffs and landings until 08:30 Moscow time and said arriving flights were being diverted to alternate airports. It also said an emergency operations center was working as airlines adjusted schedules and flight plans.
By the time of publication of one report, temporary airspace restrictions around the airport had been lifted and airport staff were returning to their workplaces. Officials in Moscow and the surrounding region said the overnight drone attack had been repelled, with damage reported to several civilian and industrial sites.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov said 52 drones were shot down on approach to the capital. They also said the attack caused damage to the Moscow oil refinery, shops, apartment buildings and vehicles, and left one woman lightly injured.
Topics
Why This Matters
Airport evacuations and airspace restrictions disrupt travel for thousands of passengers and have cascading effects on regional and international flight networks. This incident illustrates the direct civilian impact of drone attacks and highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to aerial threats, which is increasingly relevant for travelers, airlines, and regional security assessments.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireOfficials reported an overnight drone attack on the Moscow region and air defenses shot down drones approaching Moscow.
Jun 18, 2026
WireSheremetyevo Airport said passengers had been evacuated to safe places, including from aircraft, and flight operations were restricted until 08:30 Moscow time.
Jun 18, 2026
WireReports said temporary airspace restrictions around Sheremetyevo had been lifted and airport staff were returning to work.