Latvia closes airspace near Russia, Belarus over drone threats

Latvia has announced the temporary closure of its airspace near the eastern borders with Russia and Belarus, citing precautionary measures in response to heightened regional security concerns following a recent drone incursion into Polish airspace.

The restriction will take effect on September 11 and will remain in force until at least September 18, with the possibility of extension, Caliber.Az reports, citing Latvian media.

The decision was formally announced by Latvian Minister of Defence Andris Spruds during a press briefing earlier today.

The restricted airspace will apply to altitudes up to 6 kilometres, specifically targeting low-altitude air activity, which authorities have identified as the primary operational range for unmanned aerial systems. "Everything above that altitude remains unaffected. If someone flies higher, flights are permitted. The threat lies in unmanned systems operating at lower levels," Spruds clarified.

Though there is currently no direct threat to Latvia, Spruds stressed that the measures are proactive, aimed at strengthening national defence readiness. “This move enables us to expand the testing of our airspace monitoring capabilities, conduct drone simulation and countermeasure exercises, and train additional mobile combat units,” he said.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa also addressed the situation, referring to the recent drone breach in Poland as a wake-up call. “The events in Poland shook us,” she stated, confirming that the possibility of introducing flight restrictions was discussed during a meeting of the National Security Council held the day before.

Siliņa reassured the public that the measures are limited to a specific border zone and will not impact regular commercial aviation. “airBaltic flights will continue as scheduled. There’s no cause for concern,” she said.

By Vafa Guliyeva