The new EP R134 zone will cover low-altitude airspace in eastern Poland without significantly affecting scheduled passenger and cargo flights
Poland will introduce temporary airspace restrictions along its borders with Ukraine and Belarus. The measure has been adopted for national security reasons and is connected with reinforced air-defence operations on the country’s eastern flank.
The restrictions will take effect on September 10, 2026, and remain in force until the beginning of December 10. According to the published NOTAM, the restrictions are formally scheduled to expire at 23:59 UTC on December 9. The new restricted area, designated EP R134, will replace the existing EP R131 zone.
The decision does not amount to a complete closure of Polish airspace. It applies only to a designated area near the country’s eastern borders and covers altitudes from ground level to flight level FL95, or approximately 2.9–3 kilometres.
Scheduled passenger and cargo aircraft normally cruise at altitudes of around 10–13 kilometres. The restrictions are therefore not expected to disrupt most commercial services or international flights crossing Poland.
According to Interia, EP R134 is being established at the request of the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces. Its purpose is to give air-defence units sufficient freedom of action and enable a rapid response to possible threats.
The restricted area will remain active around the clock, but the strictest rules will apply between sunset and sunrise. Flights inside EP R134 will generally be prohibited during those hours.
Exemptions will cover military and state aircraft, search-and-rescue missions, medical flights and operations connected with emergency response or the protection of critical infrastructure. Certain other flights may be conducted following prior coordination with Polish aviation and military authorities.
During daylight hours, crewed aircraft will be able to enter the zone if they comply with specific requirements. These include filing a flight plan, operating an appropriate transponder and maintaining continuous radio contact with air traffic control.
The restrictions will have a greater impact on general aviation, drones and other low-altitude operations. Operators will need to account for the boundaries of EP R134 when planning flights and regularly consult current NOTAMs.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has announced increased Air Force activity, including the deployment of F-16 fighter jets and helicopters. He said the country was expanding its protective measures in response to threats and incidents near the eastern border.
“Poland is constantly monitoring the situation on its eastern border. We are also strengthening our rapid-response systems to counter threats across the entire country.”
Polish Ministry of National Defence
The ministry says the new arrangements are intended to give air-defence forces the operational flexibility they require while minimizing disruption to civilian airspace users. The measure does not suspend international air services or close Polish airports, TVN24 reports.
No major impact is expected on long-haul freighter services crossing Poland at standard cruising altitudes. The restricted zone ends well below the flight levels normally used by international cargo aircraft.
Airlines, freight forwarders and time-critical logistics operators should nevertheless continue monitoring NOTAM updates. Adjustments may be required for specialised low-altitude flights, drone deliveries or operations at airfields located close to the boundaries of the restricted area.
As K2Cargo.News previously reported, European countries are strengthening the protection of airports and transport infrastructure amid emerging drone-related threats. Additional security measures have been considered following the discovery of an explosive-equipped drone in the cargo area of Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Read also: Prague Reviews Airport Security After Explosive-Laden Drone Found in Leipzig
