Weather and safety disruptions at Pulkovo: Saint Petersburg flights delayed
Saint Petersburg faced a wave of flight disruptions when Pulkovo Airport paused operations on two separate occasions, delaying roughly ninety flights. The information was reported by the city’s Telegram-based transportation channel and confirmed by the regional prosecutor’s office. Travelers found themselves waiting in queues and corridors as ground teams prepared for safety inspections and initial maintenance checks. The pauses highlighted how weather shifts and equipment concerns can ripple through a busy aviation hub. Airport authorities communicated that safety protocols were activated and contingency plans were put into action. Airport operators worked with airlines to rebook passengers and guide them to temporary lounges and support desks. The Telegram channel has been a go-to source for real time updates during incidents like this, helping residents and visitors gauge when service would resume. The prosecutor’s office noted that inspections were underway to ensure passenger rights and staff welfare are respected during the pause in runway operations. Officials stressed that safety remains the priority and that delays are managed with clear guidance for stranded travelers. In the background, ground crews coordinated with air traffic control to stage aircraft for a safe return to service once conditions allowed. The event served as a reminder that even a single weather event can disrupt schedules across a whole network, prompting airlines to adjust timetables and reroute flights to maintain resilience. The overall message from authorities emphasized clear information, timely assistance for stranded travelers, and a steady pace toward normal operations as weather cooperated with safety guidelines.
The ministry reported ongoing inspections at Pulkovo and the deployment of a mobile welcome center to assist travelers who remained in transit or faced cancellation. Airport staff and inspectors were coordinating with airline partners to manage passenger movement, provide refreshments, and offer accommodations where appropriate. A transport prosecutor was designated to visit the site and verify that passenger rights are respected during runway cleanup and safety checks. This included ensuring refunds, rebooking options, and assistance promised by airlines are delivered promptly. The involvement of legal authorities signals a comprehensive approach to safeguarding travelers during disruptions. Local authorities emphasized transparency and adherence to procedures so that delays do not erode public trust in air travel. With the runway as a critical safety asset, teams prioritized friction testing, surface condition restoration, and safe re-entry of aircraft before service resumed. Meanwhile, airline partners prepared contingency schedules to minimize further impact on ongoing travel plans.
Early on January 12, a powerful winter storm swept across the region and brought operations at Pulkovo to a near standstill. Some reports refer to the storm as Hurricane Charlie, though meteorological agencies typically categorize such events as severe winter weather rather than a tropical cyclone. Flight trackers showed more than 20 cancellations and more than 30 aircraft directed to other airports as crews battled blizzard conditions, low visibility, and icy runways. Airport officials initially aimed to restart around 9:15 Moscow time, but forecasts and on-site assessments led to tighter restrictions. The first inbound flight was accepted around 13:30, and operations paused again for about an hour and a half to complete essential safety checks. A secondary pause followed so that ground teams could restore the runway friction coefficient to normal levels after de-icing and surface treatment. Throughout the disruption, ground support teams liaised with airlines to communicate updates and assist travelers in rebooking or finding alternate routes. Weather observers continued to monitor conditions as crews performed friction tests, braking assessments, and runway maintenance tasks to ensure safe reentry of aircraft. The incident underscored how extreme weather can cascade into missed connections and long queues at the terminal as the day progressed.
Earlier, travelers arriving from Moscow reported hearing alarming noises on a plane that had been scheduled to fly to Dubai, prompting some passengers to reconsider their travel plans. Airline representatives advised those affected to contact their carriers for guidance on rebooking and refunds. Airport information desks stepped up to help passengers understand alternate connections and expected timelines, while staff managed crowd flow and seating arrangements to reduce congestion. In the hours after the disruption began, airlines worked to re-route travelers and minimize further delays, stressing safety as the top priority. The day’s events reminded travelers that weather-driven pauses at a major hub require patience and flexible itineraries, especially for international connections that depend on timely onward flights.