Poland deploys fighter jets, temporarily shuts Rzeszów and Lublin airports

Poland has scrambled fighter jets and temporarily closed two airports following what authorities described as active operations by Russian forces in Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said on Wednesday, September 16.

“The Polish Air Force has begun operations within Polish airspace,” the command said in a statement.

The Polish military said the measures were preventive and intended to reinforce security in areas bordering territories considered vulnerable amid the ongoing military activity in Ukraine.

The Polish Air Traffic Management Agency (PANSA) said the airports in Rzeszów and Lublin had been temporarily closed because of military flights. Air operations at both airports were suspended as precautionary measures were implemented.

The authorities did not provide further details on the nature of the Russian military activity that prompted the deployment or indicate how long the airport restrictions would remain in place.

By Tamilla Hasanova