On Wednesday, regulations implementing the restricted air traffic region EP R129 along the east border of Poland entered into force. Restrictions will apply until 9 December and are intended to guarantee safety – mainly by regulating civilian flights, drones and airspace surveillance. It's a reaction to an incidental involving Russian drones.
At the request of the Operations Command of Types of Armed Forces, a restricted air traffic region EP R129 was established, which began on 10 September 2025 at 22:00 and will end on 9 December 2025 at 23:59. The area of the region covers the east part of Poland - – the command communication gives precise geographical coordinates defining its scope.
Air traffic to the east country – fresh rules
In the EP region R129 there are different limitations for day and night flights. From sunset to sunrise, only military aircraft flights will be permitted. During the day, from sunrise to sunset, civilian drone flights are prohibited, and manned flights will only be permitted if they meet strict conditions. This includes a flight plan, transponders in A and C or S modes, continuous listening to air-to-ground communication and a two-way communication work with the ATS body. In addition, exceptions are aircraft with the position HEAD, STATE, SAR, HOSP, MEDEVAC, FFR, military flights and those performed for the peculiar slogans GARDA, ALPHA SCRAMBLE.
After the arrangements with the Air Operations Centre - Air Component Command, a flight of state aviation and air rescue services as well as flights related to safety and control of critical infrastructure will besides be allowed. After coordination, flights will besides be permitted to supply assistance in cases of threat to human or animal health, including in peculiar at the time of natural disasters, disasters, ecological hazards or emergencies.
Flights of non-compliance aircraft entering the region without the required permits will constitute a violation of the Aviation Law.
Response to Russian drones
The introduction of an air traffic regulation in the east of the country is simply a reaction to the breach of Polish airspace by Russian drones at night from 9 to 10 September. Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported In the Sejm, 19 incidents were reported and "a large condition of the drones flew straight from over Belarus". This is the first specified large violation of Polish borders since the beginning of Russia's attack on Ukraine.
Some drones were shot down. 2 F-16 fighters, 2 Dutch F-35s, Mi-24, M-17 and Black Hawk helicopters participated in the action, and were placed on alert. German Patriot systems stationed in Poland. No 1 was injured in the drone attack, but the home in Wyryki-Wola was severely damaged in Lublin Voivodeship.
