Poland closes border airspace with Ukraine and Belarus for 3 months – What's behind it
Illustrative photo: Poland imposes flight restrictions near the border with Ukraine and Belarus (facebook.com/LOT)
Poland will implement air traffic restrictions in its eastern regions bordering Ukraine and Belarus starting March 10, according to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency.
The restrictions, designated as zone EP R130, will remain in effect until June 9, 2026.
The zone covers airspace from ground level up to about 3 kilometers. This means:
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Passenger planes flying at high altitudes will continue operations without changes.
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Light aviation and drones will be subject to strict regulations.
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Nighttime operations (from sunset to sunrise) will face a complete flight ban. Exceptions include approved aircraft and certain coordinated special service flights.
Daytime operations (from sunrise to sunset) are only allowed under the following conditions:
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Submission of a flight plan.
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Active transponder on board.
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Continuous radio contact with air traffic control authorities.
Photo: Poland to impose restrictions on flights near the border with Ukraine and Belarus (facebook.com/PANSA.ANSP)
National security is a priority
The Polish agency emphasizes that the restrictions are implemented to ensure state security. Approved flights include those under ALPHA SCRAMBLE signals (emergency fighter takeoffs) and MEDEVAC missions (medical evacuation).
Civilian drones are strictly prohibited from approaching the air defense identification zones (ADIZ) of Ukraine and Belarus. Violations will be treated as breaches of Polish aviation law.
Drone incident in Poland
In February, a drone fell into a military base in the Polish town of Leźnica Wielka, housing the 1st Air Cavalry Battalion.
The small commercial drone got caught in a tree, causing no injuries or infrastructure damage. The Polish military police identified and detained the operator, a 22-year-old Polish citizen.
