Dozens of Flights Disrupted at Sochi Airport Amid Nationwide Delays

More than 60 flights have been delayed or canceled at Sochi International Airport, according to the airport's online information board. The disruptions are part of a wider air travel collapse affecting major Russian hubs following temporary airspace closures over the weekend.
As of Monday morning, 38 departing flights were listed as delayed, with two others canceled. Additionally, 27 inbound flights were delayed and two were canceled. The knock-on effects from restrictions imposed in Moscow and St. Petersburg have led to significant schedule changes, with some delays extending for nearly a full day.
The departure board shows numerous affected routes, including delayed Aeroflot flights SU-1075 and SU-1111 to Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport and Smartavia flight 5N-164 to Arkhangelsk. A Rossiya Airlines flight to St. Petersburg, FV-6564, was listed among the cancellations.
The airport press service reported that it is operating in a heightened state to manage the increased passenger load and has reinforced staff. However, passengers have reported difficulties, with some remaining at the airport for over 17 hours due to rolling delays and a lack of information. The nationwide disruptions over July 5-6, prompted by security measures, are estimated to cost airlines up to 20 billion rubles. Russia's consumer rights agency, Rospotrebnadzor, has established a hotline to assist affected passengers.