Quiet Pulkovo: How the Airport Is Cutting Voice Announcements

What is the “Quiet Airport”?

Since the beginning of September, Pulkovo Airport has been running an experiment aimed at lowering the noise level in its terminals. The idea is simple: strip out most of the voice messages that normally play every few minutes and keep only the ones you can’t do without – for example, the call to start boarding or a critical flight‑status change.

How did the sound in the hall change?

According to the administration, the volume of ordinary announcements has dropped by roughly half to one‑and‑a‑half. In practice, passengers now hear about 40‑50 % of the usual information flow. The PA system still has the capacity to broadcast truly essential messages, such as a boarding call, schedule changes, or safety warnings.

Why did they decide to “shut up” the microphones?

The main motive is to improve traveller comfort. In large terminals a chorus of voices constantly overlaps, creating a sense of chaos. By cutting back on the number of announcements, the airport hopes to make the space calmer, lower stress levels, and give people a chance to hear their own thoughts instead of a perpetual hum.

How do passengers perceive it?

Feedback is still being collected, but a few observations have already emerged:

• Positive: many note that it’s easier to concentrate, especially during rush hour when the hall fills with people. The quiet helps them navigate the schedule more easily, relying on the screens and mobile apps.
• Negative: some travellers are used to constant reminders and now worry they might miss important information. For them, the lack of familiar voice cues can be a source of anxiety.

What to do if you don’t want to miss an announcement?

• Watch the screens – electronic boards now play an even bigger role. Boarding times, gates and delays are shown in real time.
• Enable mobile notifications – most airlines push flight‑status updates to your phone. It’s a reliable way to stay informed without the loudspeakers.
• Ask staff – if something isn’t clear, approach an employee. In a “quiet” airport they are usually ready to explain.

How does the “quiet” mode fit into the broader picture of Russian airports?

Pulkovo isn’t the only airport experimenting with noise levels. In recent years Russia has seen projects aimed at making passenger environments more comfortable: better lighting, rest zones, free Wi‑Fi. Reducing voice announcements is a logical extension of that trend, targeting one of the most irritating factors.

Possible risks and limitations

The cut‑back works only if the other communication channels (screens, mobile services) run without glitches. Any technical failure could mean a passenger misses crucial information. That’s why the airport needs robust backup systems and a quick response to any hiccup.

How to prepare for a flight through Pulkovo?

1. Check your flight status in advance via the airline’s app or the airport website.
2. Have your documents ready and within reach – with fewer voice prompts you’ll need to react faster to visual signals.
3. Allow extra time to move between terminals and gates – the silence can make time feel slower.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask staff if anything seems unclear.

What’s next?

The experiment at Pulkovo is still in a testing phase, and results will be judged by passenger feedback and efficiency metrics. If the concept proves successful, other major Russian airports – and perhaps some abroad – may adopt it.

Takeaways for the traveler

• Less noise – the terminals are calmer, a relief for anyone tired of constant buzzing.
• More responsibility – passengers now have to pay closer attention to visual information.
• New habits – checking mobile alerts and screens may become a regular part of the journey.

If you plan to fly through Pulkovo soon, brace yourself for a different way of communicating with the airport. The quiet can be a pleasant bonus, provided you’re ready to rely more on your own eyes and phone.

Based on materials from: frequentflyers.ru.