Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg faced an unprecedented situation on May 6 and 7, 2025, as it urgently accepted 74 aircraft redirected from their original destinations. This sudden influx was orchestrated due to severe delays at Moscow's airports, leaving many passengers stranded on board for hours.
The North-Western Transport Prosecutor's Office quickly mobilized a team to assist the passengers of the delayed flights. In a statement released via their telegram channel, they confirmed the organization of a mobile reception at the airport to ensure that the rights of passengers were being upheld. "The St. Petersburg Transport Prosecutor's Office controls compliance with passenger rights and ensuring their services, as provided for by federal aviation regulations," the statement read.
As the situation unfolded, it became clear that the delays were not just a minor inconvenience. Passengers reported being held on planes for several hours, leading to complaints of discomfort and distress. One passenger on a flight from Mineralnye Vody to Moscow Sheremetyevo, which was supposed to land at 11:00 PM on May 6, described the ordeal. The flight was redirected to Pulkovo and landed around 1:00 AM, but passengers remained on board well into the morning.
"On board, we ran out of water, and there was no talk of food. Elderly passengers were in shock, children were crying, and the regular folks were left confused. First, we were told the airport was asleep, then that there were no ladders to disembark, and now they say there’s a ladder, but no bus to take us in," recounted a frustrated passenger named Roman (name changed).
Reports indicated that by around 6:00 AM on May 7, an ambulance arrived at Pulkovo to assist passengers who had been on board for over ten hours and were starting to feel unwell. The airport's press service confirmed that medical assistance was provided to two passengers on Pobeda flight 6946, which was coming from Sochi to Moscow.
As the morning progressed, Pulkovo Airport began sending the aircraft to their intended destinations, but many remained in limbo. A long queue of planes formed on the runway, unable to depart for Moscow due to the backlog.
A passenger who was stuck on one of the planes expressed their frustration to reporters, saying, "We’ve been waiting here for hours, and no one seems to know what’s going on. It’s chaotic, and we just want to get off the plane." This sentiment was echoed by many others who were left waiting.
The situation prompted the St. Petersburg Transport Prosecutor's Office to take action, ensuring that the airport was complying with federal aviation regulations during this crisis. They were actively working to monitor the situation and assist the passengers who were affected.
As Pulkovo continued to manage the high volume of aircraft, they communicated with the public through their call center, providing updates and information. Passengers were encouraged to reach out with any concerns or questions regarding their flights. The contact numbers provided were +7 (812) 324-30-00, +7 (812) 337-34-44, and +7 (812) 337-38-22.
Despite the airport's efforts, many passengers remained anxious about the situation. The delays raised questions about the preparedness of the airport and the airlines involved in managing such a significant number of diverted flights. As the hours passed, the frustration among travelers grew, compounded by the lack of communication and clarity from airport officials.
In conclusion, the events at Pulkovo Airport serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise in air travel, particularly in times of unforeseen circumstances. The situation highlights the importance of effective communication and contingency planning in the aviation industry. As the passengers awaited resolution, their experiences underscored the need for airlines and airports to prioritize passenger welfare, especially during crises.
