Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport evacuates passengers over drone threat

Passengers at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport were moved to shelters and safe areas after an air raid alert over a drone threat, and more than 20 flights bound for Moscow airports were diverted to other cities.

Passengers at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport were evacuated to safe areas and shelters after an air raid alert was declared over the threat of a drone attack. Access to the secure areas of all terminals was temporarily restricted, and passengers already on board aircraft were also included in the evacuation.

Announcements urged travelers to stay calm, keep away from windows and follow staff instructions. The airport warned of possible schedule changes and longer waiting times and advised passengers to check their flights through official airport and airline channels.

Passengers in front of a departures board at Sheremetyevo Airport

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency said restrictions on takeoffs and landings were imposed at Vnukovo, Domodedovo, Zhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports, and more than 20 planes headed to Moscow were diverted to other cities.