(KYIV) – Ukraine has launched a new operation using swarms of drones to disrupt and shut down airports in the Moscow region, aiming to impose significant economic costs on the Russian aviation industry.
The operation, announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as “Operation M&Ms,” commenced on 3rd September 2026. President Zelenskiy stated that while civilian aviation was not being directly threatened, the sheer volume of drones would render Russian skies unsafe. “There are no more safe moments in Russian skies,” he said.
Footage circulating online showed at least two Ukrainian drones being intercepted and crashing in the Moscow area. The operation’s stated aim is to use AI-guided drones to constantly buzz Moscow’s airports, keeping commercial flights grounded. Initial reports suggest around 430 drones were launched in the first wave.
The economic impact of such disruptions is projected to be substantial. During a similar two-day disruption in 2025 caused by drone strikes on Moscow, Russian airlines incurred losses estimated at 20 billion rubles (approximately £190 million, $250 million, €228 million). Industry data indicates that cancelling a single Boeing 737 flight costs an airline between $190,000 and $290,000 (£145,000 – £222,000) in lost revenue, fuel, crew costs, and services. Diverting an aircraft already in the air can add between 1.5 million and 2 million rubles (£14,300 – £19,000, $18,750 – $25,000) for every four hours of delay.
The campaign has already had a tangible effect, with Turkish airline Pegasus pre-emptively cancelling flights to Moscow. While a foreign firm, its decision indicates the wider logistical impact of the threat. The operation follows other recent successful Ukrainian campaigns targeting Russian logistics, including strikes on approximately 150 shadow fleet vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, and the destruction of military warehouses.
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