Russia: Why Putin is closing Moscow's airspace to small aircraft?

Starting in early June 2026, Russia will prohibit all light aviation flights over the Moscow region due to the increasing number of Ukrainian drone attacks. This restriction, announced by the Russian Association of Aircraft Owners and Pilots, will affect all non-commercial civil aircraft operating between 0 and 5,100 meters altitude. Regular commercial flights, medical evacuations, and government operations will remain permitted. This measure is part of a gradual tightening of airspace restrictions since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine.