Poland to restrict air traffic over east of country until 9 December to facilitate air defence operations
From 10 September to 9 December 2026, the eastern part of Poland will be covered by the temporary EP R134 restricted airspace zone.
Source: Poland's Armed Forces Operational Command on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda
Details: The zone will extend from ground level to flight level FL95, or an altitude of around 3 km. This is an important distinction, as passenger aircraft operate at significantly higher altitudes.
The Armed Forces Operational Command said that the zone would therefore not apply to passenger aircraft flying at higher altitudes.
The command explained that the restrictions were intended to ensure more effective operation of Poland's military air defence system in the east of the country.
It added that the measures were intended to give all elements of Poland's air defence system adequate freedom of action and the ability to respond effectively to potential threats, while minimising their impact on civilian aviation and other airspace users.
The Polish military also published a map showing the area covered by the restrictions.
The strictest restrictions will apply at night, from sunset to sunrise. During these hours, all flights within the EP R134 zone will be prohibited.
Exceptions will apply to military aircraft, as well as take-offs and landings at Depułtycze Królewskie airport (EPCD) near Chełm, provided that these operations have been agreed in advance. During nighttime hours, the airspace within the zone will have unclassified status.
Background:
- Polish investigators confirmed that a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile, manufactured in the second quarter of 2026 at a plant in Moscow Oblast, crashed in Lublin Voivodeship on 30 July.
- A poll showed that nearly 38% of Poles were dissatisfied with how the Polish authorities responded to the incident.
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