New restrictions have been placed on both arrivals and departures at Pulkovo Airport, the gateway to St. Petersburg, as confirmed by Artem Korenyako, a representative of the Federal Air Transport Agency. The update came through a Telegram channel affiliated with the agency and underscored the ongoing safety measures affecting flight operations around the city and region.
Officials stated that the measures began on March 2 at 19:32 Moscow time, with the aim of preserving the safety of civil aviation. The agency emphasized that the restrictions are part of standard procedures designed to prevent any risk to aircraft and passengers during critical periods.
According to Korenyako, crews, air traffic controllers, and airport services are coordinating closely to implement every necessary precaution. The collaborative effort is aimed at maintaining orderly traffic flow while ensuring all safety protocols are rigorously followed.
Unverified reports in local circles have previously suggested that Pulkovo Airport may pause operations briefly if there is a potential drone sighting over the Leningrad region. While such information circulates, authorities have stressed that decisions are made only after careful assessment and in line with national aviation safety standards.
Earlier, during the night of January 31, a so-called “Carpet” plan was activated. The restrictions were in effect from 03:53 to 05:11 Moscow time, though officials did not publicly disclose the specific reason for that temporary halt in operations at the airport.
That same day, St. Petersburg mayor Alexander Beglov addressed the public, noting that an incident at an industrial site in the city required police and emergency services to respond. The mayor’s remarks highlighted the broader context of security and public safety concerns that influence all major transport nodes, including Pulkovo Airport.
Earlier reports described an incident involving a drone near a factory site in St. Petersburg, detailing how it had apparently descended onto the facility’s grounds. The evolving situation illustrated how drone activity can intersect with urban infrastructure, prompting heightened vigilance and rapid coordination among authorities, airport operations, and local law enforcement.