Sheremetyevo International Airport

Current Status

Sheremetyevo International Airport, Russia's largest airport and the hub for Aeroflot, has been operating under fundamentally altered conditions since February 2022. The EU, UK, US, Canada, and other nations closed their airspace to Russian carriers while simultaneously banning their own airlines from Russian airspace. This mutual airspace closure has severed Sheremetyevo's connections to Western destinations and reshaped its route network entirely.

Beyond the geopolitical restrictions, Moscow-area airports have experienced frequent drone-related closures as part of the broader conflict. Russian aviation authorities reported over 200 airport closures across the country in 2025 related to drone activity, with Moscow airports among those affected. The airport continues to operate for Russian domestic carriers, Chinese airlines, Middle Eastern operators, and carriers from non-sanctioning nations.

Key Risks

• Western carrier ban. EU Regulation 2022/334, US DOT orders, and UK airspace restrictions prohibit Western carriers from operating to or through Russian airspace. This ban has been in effect since February-March 2022 with no indication of removal. Passengers from Western nations can only reach SVO via connecting flights through non-sanctioning countries.
• Drone-related closures. Moscow airports, including Sheremetyevo, have experienced periodic closures due to drone activity. Russian aviation authorities have issued temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) with increasing frequency. In 2025, media reports documented over 200 drone-related airport closures across Russian airports, disrupting domestic and international flights.
• GPS jamming and spoofing. The Moscow region is subject to extensive GPS interference, widely attributed to electronic warfare measures protecting the capital. Aircraft operating in Moscow airspace report GPS anomalies including position offsets and signal loss. This has affected both Russian domestic and international flights operating into SVO.
• Sanctions and spare parts. International sanctions have restricted access to Western-manufactured aircraft parts and maintenance services. This affects the Russian fleet, which is predominantly composed of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Industry analysts have noted concerns about long-term maintenance standards, though Russian authorities maintain that operations remain safe.
• Insurance gaps. Western insurance and reinsurance companies have withdrawn coverage for Russian aviation operations. Alternative insurance arrangements through Russian and non-Western providers are in place, but the depth and reliability of coverage differs from pre-2022 standards.

Recent Events

Airlines Operating

Aeroflot remains the dominant carrier at its hub airport, operating an extensive domestic network and international routes to permitted destinations. Chinese carriers provide connectivity to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other Chinese cities. Turkish Airlines continues operating Istanbul-Moscow service. Airlines from the UAE, Qatar, India, and other non-sanctioning nations maintain routes.

All EU, UK, US, Canadian, Japanese, South Korean, and Australian carriers are prohibited from operating to SVO. This represents the largest peacetime restriction on international air connectivity at a major global hub.

Approach & Navigation

Sheremetyevo has three runways and modern ILS installations. However, the GPS interference environment around Moscow requires crews to rely primarily on IRS and conventional navigation aids. Drone-related TFRs can be imposed with short notice, requiring holding or diversion capability.

International carriers operating into SVO from non-sanctioning nations must navigate the GPS interference environment and be prepared for potential drone-related closures. NOTAMs for Russian airports should be checked thoroughly before dispatch, as the frequency and timing of TFRs can be unpredictable.

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