Restrictions in Polish airspace. The army is establishing a zone near the border

The zone will cover the space from the earth's surface to flight level FL95, i.e. an altitude of approximately 3 kilometers. This is an important reservation because passenger planes fly at much higher altitudes.

"Therefore, (the zone) does not apply to passenger aircraft operating at higher altitudes," said the Operational Command of the Armed Forces.

DORSZ: It's about the safety of Polish airspace

DORSZ explains that the restrictions are intended to enable more efficient functioning of the military air defense system in eastern Poland.

The solutions introduced are intended to provide all elements of the Polish air defense system with appropriate freedom of action and the ability to effectively respond to potential threats, while minimizing the impact of the actions taken on civil aviation and other airspace users - emphasizes DORSZ.

The command also published a map showing the restricted area.

There is a total ban on flights at night

The most far-reaching restrictions will apply at night, i.e. from sunset to sunrise. During this time, a total flight ban will be introduced in the EP R134 zone.

The exception will be military aircraft and take-offs and landings from the Depułtycze Królewskie airport (EPCD) in the Chełm area, provided that these operations are previously coordinated with COP-DKP. During night hours, the space within the zone will have unclassified status.

During the day, the rules will be less restrictive. The restrictions will include, among others, manned aircraft equipped with a functioning SSR transponder in Mode A, C or S, provided that they maintain a continuous monitoring of communications with the appropriate ATS unit.

Military flights, operations conducted under the slogans GARDA and ALPHA SCRAMBLE, and flights of aircraft with HEAD, STATE, SAR, HOSP, MEDEVAC and FFR status will also be possible.

Civil unmanned aerial vehicles will also be permitted under certain conditions. However, they must remain outside the air defense identification zones ADIZ Belarus and ADIZ Ukraine.

Possible exceptions to the restrictions

Some operations that do not meet the general criteria for admission to flight in the zone will be able to be carried out after prior coordination with the Duty Operations Service of the Air Operations Center - Air Component Command (DSO COP-DKP). This includes, among others: state aviation, air ambulance, flights in situations that threaten the life or health of people and animals, as well as operations related to the protection of critical infrastructure.

Other airspace users who want to operate in the restricted area may apply for the creation of special TRA zones. Applications are submitted to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency, which then forwards them to the military for analysis.

Due to the high military activity in this part of the country, PANSA recommends submitting joint applications, covering the space needed to carry out operations by several users.