Panic in the Skies: Kanimozhi-Led Delegation’s Flight Circles Moscow Due to Drone Attack Scare

A recent trip by a group of Indian Members of Parliament (MPs) to Russia took a tense turn when their flight had to circle Moscow’s airspace due to a suspected drone attack in the vicinity.

The delegation, headed by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, included multiple Indian lawmakers traveling to Russia for an inter-parliamentary conference aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Their flight, bound for Moscow’s Vnukovo International Airport, faced a significant delay in landing after Russian airspace authorities detected unidentified aerial activity — reportedly a drone — near the capital.

For approximately 30 to 40 minutes, the aircraft had to remain in a holding pattern over Moscow as a safety precaution. This caused anxiety among passengers, though the crew remained calm and professional.

The Russian defense systems were reportedly on high alert due to increased drone incursions in recent weeks, mostly believed to be linked to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Preliminary reports suggest the drone was neutralized by Russian air defense systems before it could approach critical infrastructure. However, all incoming flights were momentarily restricted, including the one carrying the Indian MPs.

Despite the temporary suspense, the flight landed safely at Vnukovo Airport after being granted clearance. The MPs disembarked without any further incident.

Kanimozhi later confirmed the delay but assured the media and public that everyone on board was safe. She praised the airline crew for handling the situation professionally.

The Indian Embassy in Moscow remained in constant touch with the Russian authorities and the Indian delegation, ensuring that protocol and safety measures were maintained throughout.

This is not the first drone-related scare in Russian airspace. Over the past year, several such incidents have prompted emergency responses in major cities including Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The MPs were visiting Russia to attend the 11th meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Parliamentary Commission. The event seeks to foster legislative cooperation and strategic dialogue.

Alongside Kanimozhi, MPs from various parties were part of the delegation, emphasizing India’s multiparty democratic representation in foreign diplomatic initiatives.

The airline operating the flight—whose name remains undisclosed—followed Russian air traffic control instructions meticulously, prioritizing passenger safety over schedule.

This incident once again highlights the increasing threat posed by drones in active or sensitive geopolitical zones and the potential risk even to civilian or diplomatic flights.

News of the incident spread quickly online, with many netizens praising the pilot’s composure and calling for stricter drone regulations in conflict areas.

The Indian delegation has resumed its diplomatic engagements as planned, and the Indian government is expected to issue an advisory on travel safety amid rising global tensions.