MOSCOW, Dec 29 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin banned Moscow aviation officials on Wednesday from going on their New Year holiday -- a Russian national institution -- after two of the city's major airports descended into chaos.
Angry holidaymakers beat up staff of the national carrier Aeroflot at Sheremetyevo airport on Tuesday as thousands were stranded with little food or information, after icy rain and blackouts disrupted traffic for a third day.
"We had to bring some of our colleagues back from holiday. No holidays from now on. Everyone should stay at work," Putin told a government meeting attended by airport and airline executives.
Most Russians take a 10-day holiday from Jan. 1 and the country is virtually coming to a standstill during this period.
A blackout also hit Moscow’s biggest airport, Domodedovo, underlining for a second time this year authorities’ inability to handle the consequences of extreme weather.
The slow response from airports administrations and authorities resembled their reaction to a heatwave and deadly forest fires that struck Russia in the summer, denting the popularity of the country’s leadership.
Putin, seen as Russia’s ultimate decision maker, often makes tough statements after major incidents, seeking to keep his high approval ratings intact as Russia enters the election cycle.
"Domodedovo was already hit by a blackout but people continued to arrive. There was no warning," Putin said.
About 48,000 people in the Moscow region were still without electricity on Wednesday and the number was rising during a heavy snowfall which followed the freezing rain that covered cables and trees with thick ice.
"No improvement in the weather condition is expected," Putin told the government.
Putin warned officials that further delays in reconnecting electricity supplies could result in heating systems in residential areas freezing up.
"Our task is not to let this situation become a catastrophe," he said, asking the Interior Ministry to ensure public order in residential areas hit by blackouts.
