The move is a significant escalation of the ongoing aviation crisis in Russia, which has already seen several major airlines grounded due to various issues. Domodedovo Airport, which serves as the primary hub for Aeroflot, Russia’s largest airline, has been closed since April 2022, when a Russian Mi-8 helicopter crashed during takeoff, resulting in the deaths of 23 people. Although it has been reopened, the airport has continued to experience issues, including a devastating fire in 2018 that destroyed several aircraft. Shukovsky Airport, which serves as a major hub for S7 Airlines, has also been closed due to safety concerns, including a 2015 incident where a plane experienced engine failure during takeoff. The suspension of flight operations at these airports is a significant development in the aviation crisis in Russia, which has already seen several major airlines grounded due to various issues. The crisis has been ongoing for several months, with several major airlines, including Aeroflot, S7 Airlines, and Red Wings, being grounded due to issues such as pilot shortages, maintenance concerns, and regulatory problems.

This has significant implications for the aviation industry, particularly for airlines and passengers.