Poland Closes Southeast Airports After Russian Drone Strikes

The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces temporarily closed Lublin and Rzeszow airports in southeast Poland on September 17, 2026. The closures followed Russian drone attacks in western Ukraine involving jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicles. Polish military officials described the actions as preventive measures to secure airspace in areas adjacent to threatened regions.

As part of the security response, the military placed ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems on high alert. This escalation follows a weekend incident in which a Russian strike hit a train trailing a delegation of European diplomats, occurring near former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The airport closures are expected to disrupt flights from several UK hubs, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Bristol. Low-cost carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air are primarily affected. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has provided guidance on passenger rights, noting that while airlines must provide essential care during delays, disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances are not eligible for compensation.