Estonia restricts low-altitude flights near Russian, Latvian borders

Estonian aviation authorities have imposed restrictions on flights near the territory adjacent to the border with Russia and Latvia, banning all types of aircraft and drones from operating at altitudes below 1,000 metres during evening and nighttime hours.

According to the Tallinn Flight Information Region control service, the measure will remain in effect until September 30, applying daily between 20:00 and 07:00 Moscow time. Only flights approved by the police or border guard services are exempt, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The move comes shortly after the Estonian Defence Forces launched unscheduled exercises to practise responses to potential airspace violations. The drills were prompted by an incident in which Russian drones violated Polish airspace.

Neighbouring Latvia has also announced similar steps, closing its border airspace, including with Russia and Belarus, during nighttime hours for a period of 19 days.

By Sabina Mammadli