Ukrainian drone attacks have turned Russian airports into a nightmare of endless delays, overcrowded terminals, and no information. One traveler recounts a night of chaos.

In early November, a Ukrainian drone attack paralyzed Russian airports, causing endless delays, overcrowded terminals, and scarce information for travelers. One Meduza reader shared her experience at Sheremetyevo Airport, where a carpet protocol was imposed for an entire night. The delay was communicated via a text message, pushing her flight back from 1 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Upon arrival, she found herself in a crowd of passengers who had been returned to the airport without explanation. No one provided clear instructions, leaving people unsure of what to do next.

Searching online, she discovered that passengers were entitled to water after a two-hour delay, hot food after four hours, and a hotel room after six hours. However, the information desk staff could only issue certificates confirming canceled flights, leaving passengers to fend for themselves. Elderly passengers, in particular, struggled to understand the situation, asking "Where do we go? Why were we taken off?"

Aeroflot employees handled two separate lines: one for passengers whose flights had been canceled and another for those experiencing delays. Passengers in the delayed group were given separate accommodations, such as hotel rooms, which started at 8,000 to 10,000 rubles a night. With limited lodging options, she chose to sleep at the airport, where people were sleeping among artificial birch trees and on artificial grass.

Free water bottles were provided, but finding a suitable hotel or compensation proved challenging due to limited options and misinformation.