Drone Strikes Ground Flights at Pulkovo and Ignite Oil Terminal in St. Petersburg

Massive Drone Assault Hits St. Petersburg

According to Главком: On the night of June 3, 2024, St. Petersburg faced a sweeping drone attack that severely disrupted air travel and regional security. The assault occurred on the opening day of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, escalating tensions around the high-profile event.

At Pulkovo Airport, at least 42 flights were delayed by over two hours, while nine passenger planes were urgently rerouted to alternate airfields. The airline Pobeda canceled services to Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody.

Departure times for flights to:

• Moscow
• Sochi
• Kazan
• Yekaterinburg
• Astrakhan
• Nizhnekamsk

were heavily rescheduled. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) confirmed temporary restrictions over the Leningrad region, which also hampered transit routes to and from the Kaliningrad enclave. Local authorities reported that 50 drones were shot down during the attack, highlighting active air defense measures.

A direct drone strike sparked a fire at the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, the largest petroleum transshipment hub in the Baltic region. The targeted fuel depot lies just 17 kilometers from the Expoforum convention center, where the economic forum is taking place. Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed the drone attack, stating that three UAVs were intercepted over the city.

Aftermath and International Response

In response to the emergency, Pulkovo's aircraft and passenger service units shifted to heightened operational status. Beyond the delayed flights, Pobeda canceled several more, further straining air traffic.

The drone assault coincided with the start of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to speak on June 5. The official U.S. delegation, including Rodney Mims Cook, chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts, confirmed attendance, noting that he was

“personally invited to Putin’s address and will be present.”

The situation remains tense, and the fallout from the drone raid could affect international relations and regional security.

This drone attack comes amid rising tensions in the area, with potential consequences for stability in Russia and neighboring countries. It also underscores the critical need for secure aviation routes, especially during global events that attract international attention. The response of local authorities and security units to such incidents will be key to preventing future occurrences.

The recent drone attack not only disrupted air travel at Pulkovo Airport but also targeted key infrastructure in the city. A significant strike on the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal occurred concurrently with this incident, raising concerns about the implications for both regional security and the upcoming economic discussions. For a detailed account of the drone strike on the oil terminal and its timing with the economic forum, see our article on the incident at the oil terminal.