Poland is to temporarily restrict flights near its borders with Ukraine and Belarus
From 10 June, Poland is introducing temporary restrictions on flights along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus. These restrictions will remain in place until 9 September 2026.
The decision was taken at the request of the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces in connection with the need to strengthen national security.
According to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, a new restricted airspace zone, EP R131, will be established in the eastern part of the country. At night, there will be a near-total ban on flights in this zone, whilst during the day, restrictions will apply to small aircraft and drones.
“At the request of the Armed Forces Operational Command, in connection with the need to ensure national security, air traffic restrictions will be introduced in eastern Poland from 10 June to 9 September 2026,” the statement reads.
The restrictions will apply to airspace up to an altitude of approximately three kilometres. They will not affect regular passenger flights, as commercial aircraft operate at higher altitudes.
The Polish authorities explain the new measures as necessary to strengthen security in light of the situation near the country’s eastern border.
During Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, drones have been spotted several times in Polish airspace. Last September, nearly 20 Russian UAVs without combat payloads appeared over Poland’s border regions.
Also, on the night of 29 May this year, a Russian drone crashed into a high-rise building in the Romanian city of Galați, near the border with Ukraine. Two people were injured as a result of the incident.
