Poland restricts air traffic at border with Belarus and Ukraine

On Thursday, following a series of drone incidents, the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command introduced restrictions on air traffic near the borders with Belarus and Ukraine.

The day before, Poland had shot down several suspected Russian drones that had violated its airspace.
Aircraft from NATO allies also participated in the operation—the first instance of a member state of the alliance using armed force during the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The Polish Air Traffic Control Authority announced that the new restricted zone, designated EP R129, affects the eastern regions of the country and will remain in effect until December 9.

From sunrise to sunset, only flights with a submitted flight plan, activated transponder, and radio contact with the control authorities are permitted there.

After sunset, there is a complete ban on civilian flights.

The only exceptions are military and special flights. Civilian drones are subject to a permanent flight ban for the entire duration.

Russia, meanwhile, stated that its drones had only attacked targets in Ukraine and that there had been no intention to interfere in Poland.

(reuters, red)