Poland closes airports amid rising regional tension
Poland closes airports in its southeastern region after a surge in Russian strikes on neighbouring Ukraine triggered heightened military alert levels. Aviation authorities confirmed that operations at Rzeszow and Lublin airports were temporarily suspended as Polish fighter jets were scrambled to secure national airspace close to the Ukrainian border.
Officials said the closures were precautionary, aimed at ensuring civilian safety while military monitoring intensified. Poland, a NATO member that shares a long frontier with Ukraine, has repeatedly strengthened air defence measures during periods of heavy Russian aerial activity.
Poland closes airports as missiles and drones hit Ukraine
Poland closes airports at a time when Russia launched a large-scale assault on Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions using missiles and attack drones. Ukrainian air defence systems were activated overnight, with explosions reported in the capital as interceptors responded to incoming threats.
According to Ukrainian military sources, drones were detected over central, northeastern and southern regions, while missile launches prompted extended air raid alerts in Kyiv. Authorities said residents were urged to remain in shelters as defence units continued operations for several hours.
As Poland closes airports, air navigation officials coordinated closely with the armed forces to manage air traffic disruptions. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency said the temporary shutdown was necessary due to military aviation activity linked to the evolving security situation across the border.
Poland closes airports during moments of increased instability along NATO’s eastern flank, reflecting broader concerns about spillover risks from the Ukraine war. Rzeszow airport, in particular, has played a strategic role as a logistics hub supporting international assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022.
Security analysts note that when Poland closes airports, it signals a calibrated response rather than an escalation. The move allows the military to operate freely while ensuring civilian aircraft are kept out of potentially sensitive airspace.
Despite the intensity of the attacks on Ukraine, there were no immediate reports of damage or power outages in Kyiv following the latest strikes. Ukrainian officials said air defence systems successfully intercepted a number of targets, though assessments were ongoing.
Poland closes airports as diplomatic efforts also gain attention. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump would focus on potential frameworks to halt fighting, including discussions on territorial control and long-term security guarantees.
While Poland closes airports only temporarily, authorities stressed that further decisions would depend on developments overnight and guidance from defence commanders. Airport operators advised passengers to monitor official updates and contact airlines for the latest flight information.
As the war approaches its fourth year, Poland closes airports as part of a wider regional pattern where neighbouring states remain on high alert whenever Russian strikes intensify. The situation underscores the fragile security environment in Eastern Europe and the close interconnection between military actions in Ukraine and civilian life across the region.
