Introduction of Restrictions at Grozny and Makhachkala Airports
Starting September 15, 2026, temporary restrictions on flight operations have been introduced at Grozny and Makhachkala airports. This measure was taken following the detection of technical faults requiring urgent repair and inspection of equipment, directly impacting air traffic safety.
The decision was made in coordination with the aviation authorities of the North Caucasus Federal District and the Federal Air Transport Agency. The restrictions will remain in place until all identified malfunctions are resolved, which may take from several days up to two weeks.
Causes and Nature of the Technical Issues
The primary cause of the restrictions is a malfunction in the air traffic control system, discovered during scheduled technical inspections. Specifically, at Makhachkala airport, failures were found in the operation of the «RLS-400» radar equipment model, which is used to monitor aircraft landings and takeoffs.
At Grozny airport, wear and damage were detected on components of the navigation complex, including the category II ILS landing system, which reduces precision and safety during landings in adverse weather conditions. Maintenance and component replacements are scheduled from September 16 to 28, 2026.
Impact on Air Traffic and Passengers
The restrictions have led to an average 30% reduction in daily flights, affecting both domestic and regional air services. Airlines operating at these airports have had to revise schedules and offer alternative routes to passengers.
According to Rosaviatsiya, more than 20 flights were cancelled or rescheduled within the first three days after the restrictions were introduced. Passengers are entitled to compensation and ticket rebooking without penalties, supervised by airline and airport support services.
Response from Airlines and Regional Authorities
Air carriers, including Aeroflot and North Caucasus, have expressed support for the safety measures and pledged to meet all passenger information requirements. In particular, North Caucasus has deployed an additional aircraft to compensate for the reduced capacity at Makhachkala airport.
Regional authorities of the Chechen Republic and Dagestan have initiated a joint meeting with representatives of Rosaviatsiya and technical services to coordinate actions during the repair period. The authorities have promised to ensure funding and expedite work to restore full air traffic capacity.
Outlook and Plans for Airport Recovery
Experts estimate that full restoration of technical systems and lifting of restrictions will take place no later than October 1, 2026. Test flights and repeated inspections of all navigation complexes will be conducted during this time.
The Federal Air Transport Agency plans to strengthen oversight of the technical condition of North Caucasus airports and implement additional preventive measures to minimize the risk of similar situations recurring in the future.
Conclusion: The temporary restrictions at Grozny and Makhachkala airports stem from the need to address technical malfunctions, ensuring flight safety and affecting flight schedules for several weeks.