Flight delays at St Petersburg Pulkovo

Which rules apply

St Petersburg Pulkovo is located in Russia, so EU261 does not apply to domestic flights. Article 120 of the Russian Air Code governs: 100 roubles per hour of delay, capped at 50% of the fare. The exception is flights by European carriers into the EU.

The main airport of Russia’s north-west. For a delayed flight of a European carrier heading into the EU, EU261 may apply — the case where a Russian departure does fall under European rules.

What the airline must provide

• from 2 hours — refreshments and two calls or messages
• from 4 hours — a hot meal, then every 6 hours by day and 8 hours at night
• from 6 hours at night, 8 by day — a hotel with free transfers
• with children under 7 — access to a mother and child room

These duties apply regardless of the cause of the delay and of the fare paid.

What to do during a delay

1. Photograph the departures board showing the actual time and status
2. Keep your boarding pass and request written confirmation of the delay
3. Ask for meals and drinks — this is the carrier’s duty, not a goodwill gesture
4. Keep receipts if you had to pay yourself
5. Check your entitlement and file a claim

Frequently asked questions