A wave of Ukrainian drone attacks has severely disrupted Russian air traffic, forcing the cancellation or delay of more than 2,000 flights and prompting President Vladimir Putin to remove his transport minister, according to Russia’s aviation authority and Bloomberg.

From Saturday to Monday morning, Russian carriers:

• Canceled 485 flights
• Delayed 1,900 others

Airports in Moscow and St. Petersburg were repeatedly forced to halt operations after drone sightings triggered airspace closures. The disruptions affected tens of thousands of passengers and caused mobile internet outages at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport, further exacerbating delays.

President Vladimir Putin dismissed Transport Minister Roman Starovoit on Monday, though no official reason was provided. The move follows growing criticism over Russia’s lack of preparedness for the expanding reach of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have now repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation.

This is not the first time drone activity has halted Russian flights. In May, a two-day drone assault forced all four Moscow-area airports to shut down, delaying over 100 flights.

According to industry estimates, Russian airlines could lose up to 20 billion rubles ($254 million) from the latest round of flight chaos. Carriers provided drink vouchers, hotel stays, and refunds to appease stranded travelers.

Russia’s airspace has become increasingly vulnerable as Ukraine escalates its long-range drone campaign, targeting military and logistics hubs deep inside Russian territory.