Poland Reopens Lublin and Rzeszow Airports After Temporary Military Aviation Operations

Poland’s Lublin and Rzeszow airports reopened on Saturday after authorities concluded temporary military aviation operations, including flights by NATO aircraft, which were carried out in response to Russian strikes on Ukraine.

The Polish army’s operational command confirmed that Polish airspace was not violated during the operations. In a post on social media platform X, the command thanked NATO and the German air force for assisting in ensuring safety in Polish skies.

“Operations of military aviation in our airspace, related to strikes by the Russian Federation on Ukraine, have been concluded,” the operational command said. It added that ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have returned to standard activities.

Ukraine reported on Saturday that Russia launched a large-scale air attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure overnight, including strikes on power stations in western regions of the country.

The Polish military stressed that its actions were preventive, aimed at securing and protecting airspace near areas under threat. Earlier in the day, the army had said the temporary closure was designed to safeguard regions close to the border.

The two airports, both in southeastern Poland, had temporarily suspended operations as a precaution, according to the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency. Rzeszow is a key NATO hub for arms supplies to Ukraine, while Lublin serves as an important regional airport.

Flight tracking service FlightRadar24 reported that NATO aircraft were involved in the temporary closure. The US Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice to airmen confirming that both airports were inaccessible due to military activity intended to protect state security.

Authorities noted that both airports had previously suspended operations last month due to routine military aviation activity. At that time, officials emphasized that there had been no threat to Polish airspace.

The reopening of Lublin and Rzeszow airports marks the resumption of civilian and commercial flights in the region, easing concerns for travelers and local operators. Authorities continue to monitor the situation along the border with Ukraine, which has remained tense amid ongoing Russian military actions.

Polish officials said the country remains committed to coordinating with NATO allies to maintain security in airspace adjacent to conflict zones, demonstrating vigilance while avoiding escalation.

The temporary suspension reflects Poland’s precautionary approach as fighting continues in Ukraine, highlighting the role of neighboring countries in managing security risks stemming from the conflict.