Flight restrictions imposed at Pullkovo Airport
In St. Petersburg, Russia, the temporary flight restrictions at Pulkovo Airport continue, as announced by Rosaviatsiya, with no fixed end date announced yet. The restrictions were imposed due to security concerns caused by drone threats over Russian airspace.
These concerns stemmed from the interception and destruction of multiple Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over various Russian regions, including near St. Petersburg. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported downing dozens of drones, leading to temporary closures and restrictions of the airspace to prevent any potential danger to commercial flights.
The impact of these extended flight restrictions on air travel plans and schedules is not yet clear. However, the recent disruptions were not limited to Pulkovo, as flights were delayed or canceled at major airports in Moscow and other northern Russian regions as well.
The airspace over St. Petersburg gradually reopened on the morning of July 5, 2025, but delays continued throughout the day due to the backlog. The situation appears fluid, with authorities maintaining restrictions as needed to ensure flight safety amid ongoing drone threats.
Artem Koreniako, a representative of Rosaviatsiya, had previously announced that the restrictions were to be lifted at 00:30 MSK on July 6. However, this message has been postponed or canceled, as the restrictions at Pulkovo Airport are still in place.
It's important to note that this is not the first time such restrictions have been imposed, as similar restrictions were previously implemented at airports in Kirov, Kaluga, and Pskov.
The recent temporary flight restrictions at Pulkovo Airport serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of civilian aircraft operations in the face of security threats. While the airspace is reopening, authorities remain cautious and continue to monitor the situation carefully. Flight operations will likely normalize fully only when the drone threat subsides.
| Reason for Restrictions | Expected Lifting | |----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Security concerns due to drone threats and interceptions of UAVs over Russian airspace | Gradual reopening started on July 5, 2025; no fixed end date announced; situation under monitoring for safety |
The ongoing flight restrictions at Pulkovo Airport have disrupted travel plans, causing delays and cancellations for many passengers. Amid these restrictions, it's clear that lifestyle, particularly travel, is impacted by the unpredictable weather of the drone threats. Furthermore, as the Russian Ministry of Defense continues to report the downing of dozens of drones, anticipation for a drone-free lifestyle, and normal travel, remains uncertain.
