The Pulkovo Airport has resumed normal operations after the Federal Air Transport Agency lifted all operating restrictions, according to a report from RIA News citing the department. The agency stated that the restrictions were removed at 18:22 Moscow time, and during the period of the limitations, three flights were redirected to alternative airports to ensure safety and continuity of service.
In a related update, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian air defense systems intercepted an attempted Ukrainian UAV attack aimed at facilities in the Leningrad region. The brief halt in regular activity at Pulkovo occurred amid heightened security measures surrounding potential air threats in the area.
Earlier on March 10, Pulkovo airport announced flight suspensions for security reasons, with restrictions coming into effect at 17:00 Moscow time. The timing coincided with reports that Ukrainian forces employed unmanned aerial vehicles during the same timeframe, including an explosive device being dropped in one of Donetsk region’s areas. The Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk was identified as a focal point of the incident reported by authorities at that time.
Additionally, Russia has been moving to strengthen its defensive capabilities against drone activity, including the development of a compact drone-suppression complex designed to counter aerial threats in various contexts. The steps reflect ongoing efforts to balance civilian air traffic safety with broader national security considerations in volatile regional conditions.