On the morning of April 28, 2025, Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg implemented temporary flight restrictions, which were announced by the press service of Rosaviatsiya. The restrictions began at 7:25 AM Moscow time and were put in place to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft flights. According to reports, these measures were necessary due to heightened security concerns following a series of drone attacks.
Flight delays began earlier at 6:10 AM, and by 7:00 AM, no aircraft had departed from the airport. Passengers faced significant disruptions as several flights were delayed for both arrivals and departures. The restrictions were a precautionary response to a surge in aerial threats, particularly from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
During the time the restrictions were in effect, 17 aircraft destined for Pulkovo were diverted to alternate airfields. One flight was notably postponed until 1:00 PM, causing frustration among travelers who were already experiencing delays of two to three hours. Passengers waiting at the airport reported that they were beginning to hear announcements about the resumption of normal operations.
The situation escalated overnight, as air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 115 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory. This included a significant number of UAVs shot down in the Bryansk region, where 102 drones were neutralized. Additional drones were also intercepted over Crimea, as well as in the Kursk region, and one drone was taken down over the Belgorod region and the Black Sea.
By 9:30 AM, the restrictions at Pulkovo Airport were lifted, and normal operations resumed. The quick response from Rosaviatsiya and airport authorities was aimed at mitigating risks and ensuring passenger safety during a volatile security situation. The lifting of the restrictions allowed for the resumption of flight operations, although the impact of the earlier delays lingered.
The governor of Leningrad Region, Alexander Drozdenko, confirmed that two enemy drones were shot down in the Kirishi and Volkhov districts on the same morning, highlighting the ongoing security threats in the region. The Ministry of Defense also reported additional interceptions of UAVs in the Novgorod region, indicating a widespread effort to secure airspace against potential attacks.
In light of these events, airport staff, air traffic controllers, and crews worked diligently to ensure the safety of flights. A representative from Rosaviatsiya emphasized that the safety of civilian air travel remains a top priority. The swift actions taken at Pulkovo Airport reflect a broader trend of heightened vigilance at Russian airports due to the increasing frequency of drone incursions.
As the day progressed, passengers began to notice the gradual return to normalcy at Pulkovo Airport, with announcements being made about scheduled departures and arrivals. However, the earlier delays and the threat of drone attacks served as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers that can affect air travel in the current geopolitical climate.
The incident at Pulkovo Airport is part of a larger pattern of security measures being enacted across Russian airports, where restrictions are periodically introduced in response to drone threats. The ongoing conflict has led to a heightened state of alert, prompting authorities to take proactive steps to protect civilian air travel.
As travelers resumed their journeys, many expressed their relief at the resumption of flights, even as they remained aware of the underlying tensions that prompted the initial restrictions. The quick response by airport authorities and the air defense systems demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of passengers amidst a challenging and unpredictable environment.
