Russia’s Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg temporarily halted all flight arrivals and departures at 7:45 a.m. (04:45 GMT) on Saturday, January 4th to ensure the safety of civilian aircraft, according to Russia’s aviation watchdog, Rosaviatsia.
While the specific reason for the suspension was not revealed, Russian airports have previously closed due to the threat of Ukrainian drone strikes in the vicinity.
Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, which includes St. Petersburg, reported that Russian forces had successfully shot down two drones near Luga Bay in the Gulf of Finland.
“The airport is temporarily not accepting or dispatching flights,” a Rosaviatsia representative announced on the Telegram messaging app. “Aircraft crews, air traffic controllers, and airport services are taking all necessary measures to ensure flight safety—this is our top priority.”
