The Russian authorities have blocked the airspace over the metropolis of Saint Petersburg. The city administration announced this via its channels on social networks. Planes are therefore not allowed to land or take off at Pulkovo Airport. Flight delays of up to twelve hours are announced. City officials did not provide any further details.

The local newspaper "Fontanka" reports that the Russian Ministry of Defense has sent information to the airport that an unidentified object has been sighted 160 to 200 kilometers from Saint Petersburg. The airspace within a radius of 200 kilometers around Pulkovo was closed at all altitudes until 1:20 p.m. Moscow time, reports the Tass news agency, citing a source.

Earlier, the Telegram channel "112" reported that the airport was closed because of an unidentified flying object. This looks like "a big drone". On the territory of the airport, the plan entitled "Carpet" will be implemented. This plan stipulates that all aircraft, with the exception of military and rescue aircraft, have to leave the relevant airspace.

The Telegram channel "Baza" reports that fighter jets are in the air. According to channel "112", two Su-35 and MiG-31 fighters operate in the airspace of Saint Petersburg. Readers of the Saint Petersburg newspaper "Fontanka" report that the noise of their engines can be heard even in the city: "It sounds like a parade," said one reader, describing the situation.

Data from the "Flightradar24" service shows that, with a few exceptions, the airspace around Saint Petersburg is currently being flown around in a large radius.

Russian airline Aeroflot has canceled all flights scheduled to take off from Saint Petersburg before 4 p.m. on February 28. According to the airport, several flights traveling from Moscow to Saint Petersburg had to turn back.

This article will be continuously updated.