Poland has announced new air traffic restrictions in its eastern regions following a series of drone incursions from suspected Russian aircraft.
The PAZP air traffic control agency said civilian flights up to three kilometres (1.9 miles) above ground level will be barred along the borders with Belarus and Ukraine until December 9. Flights above that altitude remain unaffected.
The restricted zone extends between 26 and 46 kilometres into Polish territory, with a blanket ban on drone operations “day and night.”
Authorities stressed the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security after Polish airspace was violated 19 times on Wednesday. At least three drones were shot down by Polish forces with support from NATO allies.
The announcement follows heightened concerns over regional security after debris from a downed drone damaged homes in the village of Wyryki-Wola in eastern Poland.