Russian lab worker’s death triggers health response over plague fears
The death of a laboratory employee at a Russian plague research institute in Siberia has triggered a major public health response and international...
Moscow’s major airports have experienced widespread flight delays and cancellations due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions, disrupting travel across Russia, Europe, and the Caucasus.
Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky airports were the most affected. Sheremetyevo reported 75 delayed flights, while Domodedovo recorded 37, including five cancellations. Vnukovo and Zhukovsky experienced 35 and nine delays respectively. The Russian Hydrometeorological Centre had issued a yellow weather warning for Moscow and the surrounding region, highlighting the risk of snow and ice.
Several flights connecting Russia to Azerbaijan were disrupted. An Aeroflot service from Baku was diverted to Saint Petersburg due to unsafe landing conditions in Moscow. Passengers were required to wait at the alternate airport until onward travel arrangements could be made. Additional flights from Baku and Ganja experienced delays as airlines coordinated with Moscow authorities to ensure passenger safety.
European and U.S. carriers, including Air France, British Airways, KLM, Finnair, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Vueling, were also impacted. Airports in New York, Amsterdam, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Helsinki recorded hundreds of delays, highlighting the knock-on effect of Russia’s weather-related disruptions on international travel.
Airlines advised affected passengers to monitor flight updates, contact customer service for rebooking, and prepare for extended waiting times. Compensation may be available for delays or cancellations under Russian and European aviation regulations.
Moscow airport authorities have mobilised ground crews to clear runways and de-ice aircraft, prioritising passenger safety. Experts emphasised that the high volume of flights during the holiday period, combined with severe winter conditions, has exacerbated operational challenges.
Officials in Azerbaijan confirmed they are coordinating with Russian authorities to minimise disruption for travellers, particularly during the holiday season when demand is high. Passengers were advised to stay informed about flight status and alternative routes.
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday's first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent.
Candidates elected to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three-member presidency declared victory after preliminary unofficial results showed Denis Becirovic leading the Bosniak seat, Darijana Filipovic ahead in the Croat seat and Zeljka Cvijanovic likely retaining the Serb seat.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
The death of a laboratory employee at a Russian plague research institute in Siberia has triggered a major public health response and international scrutiny, while authorities say there is no evidence of an outbreak.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of a deadly drone strike on a Türkiye-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea, killing its captain and endangering a civilian crew that included Azerbaijani and Indian nationals.
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The United States has withdrawn all 12 of its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain, just a week after several people were arrested over an alleged plot targeting the air base.
Australian counterterrorism authorities are examining the links of the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of a flydubai flight bound for Israel. Authorities in New Zealand have also said they are investigating reports the suspect had spent time in that country.
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