BY COMFORT OGBONNA
Air traffic was briefly halted at two airports in southeastern Poland as authorities took precautionary measures linked to military activity in the region, according to officials. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency said operations at the airports were temporarily suspended to ensure state security, stressing that the move was preventive.
The affected airports, located in the cities of Rzeszow and Lublin, lie close to Poland’s border with Ukraine, an area of heightened strategic importance since the start of the war there. Rzeszow in particular plays a critical role as NATO’s main logistical hub for delivering military assistance to Ukraine, making it a focal point for allied operations.
Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 reported on social media that the airport closures were connected to NATO aircraft operating in the surrounding airspace. The presence of military planes in the area underscored the security sensitivity of the region and the need for strict airspace control during such operations.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration also issued a notice to airmen, confirming that both airports were inaccessible due to military activity tied to safeguarding national security. Such notices are typically released to alert pilots and airlines of temporary restrictions or hazards affecting civilian flights.
This was not the first time the two airports have faced disruptions. Rzeszow and Lublin also suspended operations last month during military aviation activities. At that time, Polish authorities emphasized that the maneuvers were routine and posed no threat to the country’s airspace, offering reassurance to the public and airlines.
Officials have again played down concerns, indicating that the temporary closures were part of standard security procedures in a region that remains closely monitored due to its proximity to the conflict in Ukraine. Flights were expected to resume once the military activity concluded and safety conditions were fully restored.
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