Poland Introduces Flight Restrictions Near the Border with Ukraine and Belarus
New restrictions on the use of airspace will be in effect in the eastern part of Poland from June 10 to September 9, 2026. The decision was made at the request of the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces for reasons of national security. This was reported by the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PAŻP).
Previously, Poland had already restricted flights in the eastern part of the country. The rules were in effect from March 10, 2026, until June 9, 2026. This is a technical measure for light aviation.
A new restricted flight zone is being created in eastern Poland
From June 10, 2026, at 00:00 UTC until September 9, 2026, at 23:59 UTC, a restricted airspace zone EP R131 will be introduced in the eastern regions of Poland. It will replace the current zone EP R130 and will effectively be its continuation.
The restrictions will apply to airspace from the ground level up to FL95, which corresponds to an altitude of approximately 3 kilometers. Thus, the new rules will not affect most passenger aircraft flying at much higher altitudes.
The zone will be active around the clock and will extend approximately 20–50 kilometers deep into Polish territory, depending on the location.
Complete flight ban at night
From sunset to sunrise, a complete flight ban will be in effect in zone EP R131.
Exceptions will include:
- military aircraft;
- takeoffs and landings at Depultycze-Królewskie airport (EPCD) approved by military authorities.
During this period, the airspace of the zone will have an unclassified status.
Flights allowed during the day
During daytime, restrictions will also apply, but certain categories of flights will be permitted.
Specifically, flights may be conducted by:
- manned aircraft that have filed a flight plan, are equipped with a functioning transponder, and maintain constant radio communication with air traffic control services;
- aircraft performing special missions under GARDA and ALPHA SCRAMBLE signals;
- flights with HEAD, STATE, SAR, HOSP, MEDEVAC, and FFR statuses;
- civilian drones provided they do not violate the air defense identification zones (ADIZ) of Belarus and Ukraine.
Other flights may be allowed after coordination with the on-duty operational service of the Polish Air Operations Center.
Purpose of the restrictions
PAŻP emphasized that the decision was made in accordance with Polish law due to the necessity of ensuring state security.
It is separately noted that flights without compliance with mandatory radio communication, transponder use, and flight plan submission will only be possible in specially designated TRA zones.
To obtain permission, operators must submit an application to PAŻP. After that, it will be forwarded to military structures, which will assess the possibility of creating such a zone in a specific area.
Due to active military activity in border regions, the agency recommends interested organizations submit joint applications for airspace use.
Conditions set for operators
To create a special flight zone, the applicant must ensure the constant presence of a ground flight coordinator who:
- will be reachable at a designated phone number throughout the zone's operation;
- will be able to promptly communicate with all pilots within the zone;
- in case of emergency, will immediately notify crews about the need to cease flights and land.
After receiving notification of zone deactivation, all aircraft must land no later than 25 minutes afterward.
PAŻP stressed that failure to meet even one of these requirements will automatically prevent obtaining permission to create a special flight zone.
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