The Telegram channel "Ostorozhno, Novosti" reported a major disruption to aviation operations in southern Russia. The incident was caused by a drone crashing into the building of the Southern Russia Regional Air Navigation Center in Rostov-on-Don. As a result of the incident, operations at a dozen airports in the south of the country were completely paralyzed on May 8, 2026.

A drone attacked the building of the air traffic control center in southern Russia. Personnel are currently safe, and equipment is being checked for operability. However, for safety reasons, flight arrivals and departures have been completely suspended at 14 airports in the southern and North Caucasus clusters. The stop list includes airports in Astrakhan, Vladikavkaz, Volgograd, Gelendzhik, Grozny, Krasnodar, Makhachkala, Magas, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Sochi, Stavropol, and Elista.

According to operational reports, the drone attack in Sochi delayed 31 flights, with 16 flights canceled. In Krasnodar, seven flights were delayed and canceled. In Vladikavkaz, among other things, a "Carpet" plan—a complete no-fly zone—was implemented.