Bad News for Kenyans as Airports Close in Moscow Amid Ruto’s Visit With Other African Leaders

Russia has temporarily closed all four major airports in Moscow following a massive overnight drone attack that disrupted air travel and left hundreds of passengers stranded.

The incident happened shortly after President William Ruto and other African leaders attended the Russia-Africa summit hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to reports from Russian media, the restrictions affected Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports. The measures lasted nearly nine hours before some restrictions were lifted on Friday morning, October 30.

The disruption led to the cancellation of more than 400 flights, while many others experienced long delays. Some planes heading to Moscow were also forced to divert to alternative airports, including Pulkovo Airport in St Petersburg.

Sheremetyevo recorded the highest number of cancellations, with 170 flights affected. Vnukovo followed with 48 cancellations, while Domodedovo and Zhukovsky recorded four and one respectively.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed that 862 drones had been launched towards the Moscow region between Thursday evening and Friday morning. Russian air defence systems reportedly intercepted many of them.

President Ruto travelled to Russia on October 27, accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other senior government officials.

The Kenyan delegation attended the Third Russia-Africa Summit, which brought together representatives from 48 African countries. Twenty-two countries were represented by their heads of state.

During the meeting, African leaders and Russian officials discussed trade, investment and economic cooperation.

The airport disruption came as Russia continues to face drone attacks amid its ongoing war with Ukraine.

However, there were no immediate reports indicating that the attack targeted Ruto or other visiting African leaders.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about air travel security in Moscow as Russia continues dealing with the effects of the conflict.

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