There has been an explosion at Moscow's largest international airport, Domodedovo, at approximately 4.32pm Moscow time, Monday 24 January.

Reports indicate that an explosion occurred at the international arrivals section of the airport. Initial reports are saying that at least 29 people have been killed, with at least 100 injured.

Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Elvira Nabiullina and Minister of Trade of New Zealand Hon Tim Groser met today in Moscow and agreed that New Zealand and Russia, joined by its partners under the Customs Union, Kazakhstan and Belarus, will commence a preparatory process towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by instructing officials to jointly set out the possible objectives and scope of such an Agreement.

Information for New Zealanders whose travel plans are affected by the volcanic activity in Iceland is available at http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/news/index.shtml#europe.    
 
New Zealanders already in Russia whose delayed travel will result in their visas expiring, should contact their airline representative for assistance with arranging temporary extensions.

As you may be aware from media reports, there have been two separate explosions on the Moscow metro this morning, Monday 29 March, at Lubyanka and Park Kultury metro stations.

If you are in Moscow, we would appreciate it if you could contact us as soon as possible to let us know you are safe, and that you have contacted family/friends to advise them you are safe. Contact details for the Embassy are telephone (495) 956 3579, email nzembmos@umail.ru