Poland and Latvia restrict airspace along eastern borders after Russian drone incursion

Poland and Latvia imposed sweeping restrictions on civilian air traffic along their eastern borders following the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace early on Wednesday.

According to a Politico report, citing a statement from Poland’s air traffic agency PANSA, the new flight restrictions took effect at 10 pm on Wednesday, covering airspace along the borders with Ukraine and Belarus.

The measures will remain in place until midnight on December 9 — the maximum duration allowed under current regulations, added the statement.

Meanwhile, the Latvian restrictions go into effect on Thursday at 6 pm in a zone along the country’s borders with Russia and Belarus and will remain into effect at least until September 18, with the possibility of extension, reported Politico, citing the government.

Under the new rules in Poland’s restricted airspace, only military aircraft are permitted to operate between sunset and sunrise. During daylight hours, flights are allowed only under strict conditions, including submitting a flight plan, using active transponders, and maintaining constant radio contact with air traffic control.

Military jets on quick reaction alerts, identified by ato call signs GARDA or ALPHA SCRAMBLE, are authorised to operate in the zone.

Civilian drones are banned at all times, reported Politico, citing PANSA.

Exemptions apply to flights with official status, including HEAD (heads of state), STATE (government missions), SAR (search and rescue), HOSP and MEDEVAC (medical evacuations), and FFR (firefighting operations).

Other flights may be permitted if they involve state aviation, air ambulances, or are deemed necessary to protect human or animal life during emergencies such as natural disasters, accidents, ecological threats, or for safeguarding critical infrastructure.

In Latvia, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds said the flight restrictions will improve control over the restricted airspace, enhance threat detection, and ensure greater flexibility for Nato’s Baltic Air Policing mission.

“Russian unmanned aerial vehicles in Nato airspace are a warning signal, and we must do everything possible to prevent an escalation of drone attacks,” Politico quoted Sprūds as saying.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to help with efforts to combat Russian drone incursions.

“We are ready to provide technology, crew training, and necessary intelligence data … Ukraine proposes to defend airspace in a coordinated, thoughtful and joint manner,” Zelenskyy said in a statement published on social media.

With inputs from agencies