Over the recent weekend, passengers at Sheremetyevo Airport were particularly affected, with 165 flights cancelled. This incident, part of a larger pattern of aviation disruptions, has prompted tourism industry representatives to observe new trends in traveler behavior.
Due to drone attacks, Moscow`s airports experienced multiple closures daily throughout the weekend. In total, over 300 flights were cancelled across the city, with some delays extending up to 20 hours. While the situation is gradually stabilizing, the lingering effects are still being felt.
Tourism industry experts report a significant increase in client inquiries, with many asking about options for ticket refunds or rescheduling their flights.
Impact on Travel Habits and Solutions
Oksana Bulakh, Commercial Director of the national tour operator «Alean,» notes a noticeable decrease in short-duration trips due to the current uncertainty:
«Previously, people were willing to fly for three to four days. Now, the number of such trips is declining. Not everyone is prepared to spend two out of three or four planned days on the road or at the airport. The first major collapse was during the May holidays, followed by localized closures, but none on the scale we`ve seen in the last two or three days. Consequently, it`s too early to draw definitive conclusions about long-term shifts in consumer behavior.»
Oksana Bulakh
Commercial Director, Alean National Tour Operator
Regarding how these issues are resolved, Bulakh explains that solutions are currently handled on an individual basis, depending on the specific circumstances and the traveler`s preferences. This includes addressing issues like delayed arrivals, potential loss of vacation days, and the inability of travelers already at their resort to depart on time.
When asked about ways to mitigate such risks, Bulakh stated that it`s challenging to predict where and when disruptions might occur. She highlighted that not only Moscow and St. Petersburg airports but also several regional airports frequently experience temporary restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures. Her advice is to anticipate potential issues and avoid booking tickets with extremely tight schedules, a common practice among business travelers. Instead, she recommends always allowing for a buffer period to account for unforeseen circumstances.
Strategic Planning for Multi-Leg Journeys
For multi-leg itineraries, such as flights from Moscow to Asia, it`s crucial to plan connections carefully to prevent a single flight delay from jeopardizing the entire trip. Dmitry Arutyunov, General Director of the tour operator «Art-Tour,» offers detailed advice on such options:
«There is a clear correlation between flight cancellations and our tourists` behavior: some are postponing, and some are even cancelling their trips. When flying with connecting flights, you should no longer choose short layovers of two to three hours or less, as we might have done before. Consider spending a night at airports in Dubai, Istanbul, or Yerevan, for instance. This will undoubtedly protect you and secure your connecting flight. The same approach applies to return journeys. We also recommend utilizing connecting flights via other international airports in Russia, such as Sochi, where cancellations and delays are significantly less frequent than in Moscow.»
Dmitry Arutyunov
General Director, Art-Tour Tour Operator
Addressing the question of cancellations and refunds, Arutyunov clarified that if a flight is delayed by an airline for more than four to six hours or is cancelled, the passenger is entitled to a refund for the flight cost. For ground services, the refund policy depends on the destination and type of booking. However, he emphasized that tour operators have spent the last two weeks acting as advocates for their clients, striving to recover their funds wherever possible.
Arutyunov noted that international partners, particularly in «friendly countries,» are often very accommodating, especially if the situation isn`t critical. For example, during the current off-peak season in Middle Eastern countries, they are cooperating with tour operators on this matter. Asian countries also show understanding. Even where contractual obligations don`t mandate refunds, partners recognize that if a traveler`s flight to Istanbul for a two-night stay is delayed by a day, there`s a high chance the client will abandon the trip. In such cases, they either reallocate funds to alternative travel dates or issue refunds.
Experts universally advise travelers to purchase insurance against delays or cancellations. If a disruption occurs due to airline fault, the insurance company will typically compensate for essential purchases, hotel accommodation, and transfers, providing an important safety net for travelers.
