Russia’s aviation authority cuts Moscow flight altitude limit, bans transit flights through the zone. Travel times and fuel costs will rise.

Russia’s federal aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, has cut the maximum flight altitude over Moscow’s airports to 4,900 meters (16,080 feet) and banned transit flights through the zone, the Russian business daily Kommersant reported, citing a notice to airmen (NOTAM).

The restrictions cover civil, experimental, and state aviation and apply to both Russian and foreign airlines. They are in effect within the Moscow Terminal Control Area — covering Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo airports — through August 26.

Sources familiar with the matter expect the NOTAM to be extended. Rosaviatsia stated the restrictions were introduced from July 11 through August 12 “to ensure flight safety.”

Russia’s Defense Ministry pushed for the restrictions in response to a rise in Ukrainian drone attacks since spring, sources told Kommersant.

Sources and experts polled by the outlet identified several possible consequences:

• The ban on transit flights will significantly reduce traffic through the Moscow airports zone.
• The lower altitude will increase fuel consumption and add 5–15 minutes to flight times per route.
• Transit detour times will increase by at least 20–30 minutes.
• The lower permitted flight altitude raises the risk of bird strikes.

The new restrictions are far less disruptive than the costs airlines absorb during “Carpet” mode, when drone attacks force full airspace clearances, carrier sources told the outlet. Experts believe the Moscow restrictions are unlikely to be lifted before the war ends and may spread to other regions.

Russia’s federal aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, in June banned flights by light and ultralight aircraft, as well as civilian drones, at altitudes up to 5,200 meters in several regions of central Russia, at the Defense Ministry’s request. The ban remains in effect “until further notice.”