Poland’s airspace has returned to normal having experienced disruption that affected 670 flights as at least 19 drones allegedly from Russia breached its airspace during an assault on Ukraine, leading to the closure of major airports.
- Warsaw Chopin Airport, approximately 2 hours (from around 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. CEST), over 500 flights affected,
- Warsaw Modlin Airport, approximately 2 hours (from around 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. CEST), approximately 100 flights affected,
- Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport, approximately 2 hours (from around 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. CEST), approximately 50 flights affected,
- Lublin Airport, remained closed into the afternoon of 10 September (exact duration unclear, at least 6 hours), approximately 20 flights affected
The incident prompted an estimated €10 million in disruptions, including €5 million lost by Warsaw Chopin Airport, which halted operations for several hours.
Polish and NATO forces say they successfully intercepted at least eight drones, marking the first engagement of Russian assets in NATO’s allied airspace.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the situation as the closest Poland has been to open conflict since World War II but reassured that there was no immediate threat of war.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions on European air defence investments, with calls for a €500 million “drone wall” to enhance border security against future incursions.
Quotes: Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared, “This brings Poland the closest we have been to open conflict since World War II.”
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski shared, “The 19 breaches were intentional, costing Poland €3 million in military response operations.”
