Airport authorities in Sochi discuss fuel provision
Sochi Airport Restrictions Lifted, but Delays Continue After Drone Strike
On August 3, 2025, a Ukrainian drone strike hit a fuel depot near Sochi Airport, causing a major fire and leading to the suspension of flights at the airport. The strike damaged a large fuel tank, forcing Sochi Airport to impose fuel restrictions and temporarily halt operations to ensure air safety.
The airport's infrastructure is still under strain due to the delays caused by the restrictions. Flights arriving on the night of August 3rd have been delayed throughout the day due to the restrictions at Sochi Airport. Airlines may still have to decide on flights from Sochi with refueling stops at other airports due to the ongoing events.
As of 4 PM, 94 flights have been served for departure and 104 for arrival at Sochi Airport. Currently, aircraft refueling is being handled by two operators at Sochi Airport. However, one fuel operator was restricted until 5 PM on August 3rd due to the drone crash.
The drone strike severely impacted Sochi Airport's fuel supply, disrupted flight schedules, and temporarily shut down airport operations while emergency services responded to the fire. The fire resulted from debris from a downed drone striking the fuel tank, causing explosions and a large blaze.
The military aviation stationed at Sochi Airport was also affected, as the fuel depot served both civilian and military needs. The airport's press service announced the delays caused by the restrictions, and the service at Sochi Airport has been limited to five flights per hour.
The increased wait times for fueling may still be present due to the events at Sochi Airport. Flights departing from Sochi had to make additional landings at alternate airports to refuel due to these restrictions.
The full restoration of the second fuel operator's work occurred at 5 PM, which should help alleviate some of the delays. It is expected that another 56 flights will be served for departure and 61 for arrival by the end of the day at Sochi Airport.
Despite the challenges, Sochi Airport has managed to maintain the number of flights served for departure and arrival as of 4 PM. The restrictions at Sochi Airport are expected to last until the evening of August 3rd. Rosaviatsia, Russia’s civil aviation agency, temporarily suspended flights at Sochi Airport to ensure safety.
[1] Sochi Airport Faces Drone Strike, Flights Suspended [2] Sochi Airport Fire After Drone Strike [3] Sochi Airport Restarts Operations After Drone Strike
- Despite the lingering effects of the drone strike, travelers may find that their lifestyle is temporarily disrupted due to flight delays and refueling stops at alternate airports in connection with the ongoing events at Sochi Airport.
- As the lifestyle of travelers is Impacted, they might consider adopting a more flexible approach to their travel plans, as airlines may have to modify departure and arrival schedules from Sochi Airport due to the continued impact of the drone strike.
