Aircraft operators are having to urgently assess the risks posed by Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace late Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. As Polish defense systems reacted to repel the drones, destroying several in the process, flights were abruptly halted at Warsaw’s Chopin (EPWA) and Modlin (EPMO) airports, as well as at Lublin (EPLB) and Rzeszów (EPRZ).
The incident marked the first time Russian drones were shot down over NATO territory, with security analysts warning of escalated dangers posed to civil air traffic in a region destabilized by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that four of 19 Russian drones had been destroyed by Polish and NATO aircraft, and that the incursion has left the country at the closest point to open conflict since World War II.
On Wednesday, a Kremlin spokesman declined to confirm Russian responsibility for the airspace violation. One largely intact drone found in a field close to the eastern Polish village of Czosnówka was identified as being a decoy platform commonly used in Ukraine by Russian forces. On Friday, a joint Russian-Belarussian military exercise is due to get underway.
“Business aviation operators should treat recent incursions, like the Russian drone violations of Polish airspace, as a serious warning,” Erik Schouten, CEO of Dyami Security Intelligence, told AIN. “Entering NATO airspace not only poses direct threats, but has already forced airport closures, disrupted access, and raised the specter of broader escalation. Flights can proceed, but awareness is key, and there might even be options to prepare for evacuation flights in case regular airlines stop flying or are disrupted.”
On Thursday, Polish authorities introduced a "restricted aviation zone" in airspace along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus, having determined that some of the Russian drones came from the latter country. The restrictions, which will run through December 9, include the following: a complete ban on civilian night flights; requirements for aircraft flying during the day to have flight plans approved and to be equipped with transponders and communication systems; and a 25/7 ban on uncrewed civil aircraft.
Anticipating further threats in the region, Dyami is advising its clients to pay close attention to security alerts and liaise closely with airport authorities in Poland and any other countries that might be impacted by further drone incursions. “This includes preparing for temporary closures, rerouting [flights], and staying aligned with evolving defense protocols.”
This story was updated on September 11 to include details of new airspace restrictions in eastern Poland.