How Ukrainian Attacks Are Grounding Flights and Frustrating Russians

Last week, Vladimir Shevchuk, his wife, and their two children arrived at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, ready for a summer vacation in Antalya, Turkey. They, like many others, were hoping to escape the city's heat. However, an announcement revealed all flights were suspended.

They spent a day and night at the airport, waiting for updates. Their flight was eventually rescheduled for later in the week. Shevchuk explained they had saved for the trip for a year, and they couldn't reschedule or get refunds for their hotel and car rental.

Thousands of travelers have had their plans disrupted in recent weeks due to Ukrainian drone activity over Moscow. These disruptions have evolved into a campaign aimed at bringing the war's impact to ordinary Russians. While their inconvenience is minor compared to the daily struggles of Ukrainian civilians, it may be the most tangible sign yet that the conflict is affecting their lives.

Ukrainian drones, though often intercepted, are a cost-effective way to target Russia's stability. Kyiv's strategy appears to be making the cost of the war impossible to ignore, not just through casualties but also through disruptions to daily life. This tactic seems to be working, with airport shutdowns and missed holidays becoming a major topic of conversation and frustration among the Russian public.

The economic impact on Russia's aviation industry is significant. During a recent period of disruption, hundreds of flights were canceled, thousands were delayed, and tens of thousands of refunds were issued. A senior airport manager noted the drones completely disrupt operations.

The disruptions have caught the attention of Russia's leadership. The risks of keeping the skies open are evident, as seen in a past incident where a passenger jet was mistakenly shot down. Russian airports are preparing for these disruptions to become a regular occurrence. International carriers are adjusting their schedules to accommodate the frequent airspace shutdowns.

Despite the upheaval, Shevchuk's support for the war remained unchanged. He expressed a desire for the conflict to end quickly and dismissed the suffering of Ukrainian civilians as not his problem.