On May 7, 2025, St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport became the epicenter of chaos as more than 50 flights were delayed or canceled, primarily affecting routes to Moscow. The disruptions stemmed from drone attacks on Moscow airports the previous night, which forced many airlines to halt operations for safety reasons. Passengers at Pulkovo found themselves in a tense situation, with reports of long queues and some being held on planes for hours.
The North-Western Transport Prosecutor's Office was deployed to the airport to address passenger complaints, with Deputy St. Petersburg Transport Prosecutor Igor Gurishev on-site to assist. According to reports from Fontanka.ru, the situation escalated rapidly throughout the day, leading to a backlog of flights and a crowded terminal.
As of midday, the flight information board at Pulkovo was predominantly marked in red, indicating delays. Passengers were seen waiting anxiously, some sitting on the floor, while others expressed their frustration over the prolonged wait. "We landed in St. Petersburg and have been sitting on the plane for over six hours without being allowed to disembark," shared Russian singer Nikolai Baskov, who arrived from Irkutsk.
Airlines, particularly Aeroflot, warned passengers of potential cancellations or the merging of flights due to the restrictions imposed on flights to and from Moscow. The Sheremetyevo Airport had temporarily suspended arrivals and departures overnight due to the threat of Ukrainian drone attacks. These restrictions were enacted twice during the night, first from 01:00 to 04:07 and then again from 04:25 to 05:30.
In total, 74 aircraft were diverted to Pulkovo over the course of two days, as Moscow airports closed their doors to ensure passenger safety. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia reported that these disruptions affected at least 60,000 passengers and led to the cancellation of over 350 flights. With the ongoing drone threat, the ripple effect of these delays is expected to continue, as planes that failed to arrive on time will cause further scheduling issues.
At the airport, the atmosphere was described as chaotic, with many passengers crowding the information desks seeking updates on their flights. Lines formed at the Aeroflot and Rossiya counters, and some travelers reported needing medical assistance due to the stress of the situation. Meanwhile, passengers on flights diverted to Pulkovo, including those from Dubai and Antalya, were held on planes for several hours before being allowed to leave.
Amidst the turmoil, the Pulkovo Airport's press service continued to inform passengers about potential delays and the status of departing flights. However, as the day progressed, the situation showed little sign of improvement. Many travelers were left wondering how long they would be stranded, with some expressing their frustrations on social media.
As the day unfolded, the challenges faced by passengers at Pulkovo Airport highlighted the broader implications of the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilian air travel. With drones posing a significant threat to air safety, the Russian aviation sector is bracing for more disruptions in the coming days.
In addition to the immediate delays, the situation at Pulkovo serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the aviation industry amid geopolitical tensions. Passengers are advised to keep abreast of the latest developments through their airlines and to remain patient as the situation continues to evolve.
For those caught in the chaos, the experience has been less than ideal. Many have had to resort to sleeping on the floor of the airport, while others have taken to social media to vent their frustrations. “This is a nightmare,” one traveler lamented, echoing the sentiments of countless others who found themselves trapped in a situation beyond their control.
As of now, the authorities are working diligently to manage the situation, with the mobile prosecutor's office assisting passengers and addressing their grievances. For those needing assistance, the airport has provided contact numbers for inquiries, and passengers are encouraged to check the official airline websites for the most current flight information.
As the day progresses, the hope is that flights will resume normal operations soon, but for now, the chaos at Pulkovo Airport serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by travelers in times of uncertainty.
