Passenger Jet Diverted Overnight After Destination Airport Shutdown

A passenger flight from Egypt to St Petersburg was diverted to Helsinki overnight as the Russian airport was temporarily closed

Alex Igna Published 20.05.26 | 12:35 | Updeted 20.05.26 | 12:52

Helsinki Airport. Photo: Aleksandra Suzi / Shutterstock.com

The Gulf of Finland Coast Guard District (SLMV) has today, May 20, 2026, announced that, over the night, a passenger plane flying from Egypt to St. Petersburg was forced to instead land at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

The plane was scheduled to land at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo Airport (LED), which was closed at the time. "The plane's passengers and crew did not disembark," explained the officials.

The SLMV, responsible for actively monitoring these types of incidents, "ensured border security", allowing the plane to continue its route during the night.

This is not the first instance of the Russian airport having to temporarily close due to reported drone activity along the Gulf of Finland. Similar diversions have also been recorded at Helsinki Airport in recent months for flights bound for St Petersburg.

Don't Miss

After Drone-Related Air Alert: Vilnius Airport Resumes Flights, But Delays Are Possible Throughout the Day