Poland restricts eastern airspace up to 3 km and deploys F-16 patrols

Airspace restrictions established on eastern border

The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency published notices introducing a temporary restricted flight zone across the eastern part of Poland. Designated as EP R134, the new zone replaces the existing EP R131 restriction and will remain active from 10 September 2026 at 00:00 UTC through 9 December 2026 at 23:59 UTC. The measure was enacted at the request of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces to secure Polish skies in connection with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The agency issued the restriction under digital notices NOTAM D6372/26 and N6372/26.

Night bans and daytime flight rules

Operating rules inside EP R134 impose strict limits between sunset and sunrise. During nighttime hours, the restricted area operates as unclassified airspace under a complete civilian flight prohibition. The only night flights permitted without special clearance are military operations, alongside civilian flights taking off or landing at the Depułtycze Królewskie airfield near Chełm that receive prior coordination with the Air Operations Centre. Entering the active restricted area without meeting exemption criteria constitutes a direct violation of aviation law.

During daytime hours, rules are less restrictive but remain regulated. Manned aircraft flying through the zone must operate an active secondary surveillance radar transponder in Mode A and C or Mode S and maintain continuous radio contact with air traffic services. Exemptions apply to military aircraft, flights under code designations GARDA and ALPHA SCRAMBLE, and official flights designated HEAD, STATE, search and rescue, hospital, medical evacuation, and firefighting. Civilian unmanned aerial vehicles may operate if they do not enter the air defence identification zones ADIZ Belarus and ADIZ Ukraine.

Increased fighter jet patrols and response posture

Alongside the new airspace rules, the Polish government announced a reinforcement of its aerial patrol capabilities across the country. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed the expanded operational posture on 3 September 2026.

Following recent Russian provocations and acts of aggression, I made the decision to expand the protection of our airspace. We are increasing the activity of our air forces, including F-16 aircraft and helicopters.

Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that Russian provocations in recent weeks have created risks in areas previously considered secure, prompting Poland to strengthen its quick-reaction alert systems nationwide while monitoring the eastern border.

Technical altitude parameters and civil aviation

The restricted zone covers the column of airspace extending from ground level up to flight level FL95, approximately 3 kilometres above the ground. Commercial passenger airliners, which typically cruise at altitudes between 10 and 13 kilometres, will not face operational disruptions or route closures from the measure. Military authorities explained that the vertical limit was chosen to balance defensive readiness with the routine needs of civil aviation.

The introduced solutions serve to provide all elements of the Republic of Poland's air defence system with appropriate freedom of action and the ability to effectively respond to potential threats, while minimizing the impact of the undertaken actions on civil aviation and other airspace users.

Special permissions for day and night operations within the zone can also be granted through coordination with the Air Operations Centre duty service for air ambulance flights, critical infrastructure monitoring, and emergency response during natural or ecological disasters.