Poland shuts two eastern airports and readies air defence amid Russian strikes
Poland temporarily halted flights at Lublin and Rzeszów airports and activated its air defence system after Russia launched new attacks on western Ukraine.
In response to a recent Russian offensive against western Ukraine, Poland suspended flight operations at Lublin and Rzeszów airports, attributing the closures to ongoing military activity. A statement from the Polish armed forces indicated that the Air Operations Center - Air Component Command has activated the required air-defence assets to safeguard Polish airspace, especially in regions bordering the threatened area.
The authorities emphasized that these measures are preventive and aim to ensure the security of national airspace. The Operational Command of the Armed Forces continues to monitor the evolving situation, while subordinate units stay on standby. Poland's air navigation services agency corroborated the temporary halt of flights at both airports. Similar precautions were taken earlier in the week after Russian drone strikes on western Ukrainian targets prompted heightened alertness across Polish airspace.
Why it matters
The closures and defence activation show how the Russia-Ukraine conflict is directly affecting neighboring Poland's security and civil aviation.
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