Russian airports were temporarily closed 2,860 times during the first eight months of 2026, a 4.5-fold increase compared with the same period last year, as drone attacks continue to disrupt air traffic.

The disruptions could cost Russian airlines more than 200 billion rubles (approximately $2.48 billion) in 2026, according to ASTRA.

The number of flights diverted to alternate airports has also increased roughly fourfold. Industry experts estimate that such diversions cost airlines around 2.3 billion rubles ($28.6 million) in 2025. This year, the expenses could rise to between 6 billion and 10 billion rubles ($74.5 million to $124.2 million).

“When flights land at alternate airports, this means additional costs for aviation fuel, labor and ground handling services at those airports,” said Oleg Panteleyev, executive director of the AviaPort information and analytical agency.

The total duration of restrictions imposed under Russia’s so-called “Carpet” (or Kovyor) emergency aviation protocols increased 4.1-fold in 2026.

These restrictions can lead to flight delays and cancellations before departure, rather than flights being diverted to alternate airports after takeoff.

The geographical scope of airport closures has also expanded, extending to the Urals and western Siberia.