18 aircraft flying to St. Petersburg were sent to alternate airports

18 planes flying to St. Petersburg Pulkovo airport were sent to alternate airfields in other cities due to a snowstorm, reported TASS press service of the Federal Air Transport Agency. 25 flights departing from St. Petersburg were delayed, the agency reports with reference to the airport’s online board.

Pulkovo’s management company, Northern Capital Gateway, told TASS that the airport operates normally in difficult weather conditions; decisions on departures and landings are made by aircraft commanders depending on their own weather minimums. The Federal Air Transport Agency said that mostly aircraft heading to St. Petersburg were redirected to Moscow, Pskov and Petrozavodsk. The first flight departed for an alternate airport at 15:36 Moscow time, the agency reports.

“Possible delays are short-term and do not affect the regular uninterrupted operation according to the central schedule,” added the press service of the management company.

Earlier today, November 27, the press service of the government of St. Petersburg reported in Telegramthat from 15:00 Moscow time on Monday, the Russian Hydrometeorological Center introduced a “yellow” level of weather danger in the city. In the northern capital, the northeast and north winds were expected to strengthen, and heavy snow was expected in the evening and at night. According to the forecast, unfavorable conditions will last until 9:00 Moscow time on November 28.

Erdni Kagaltynov