Poland Temporarily Closes Rzeszów and Lublin Airports Amid Increased Security Concerns: Everything You Need to Know

On February 17, 2026, Poland decided to close Rzeszów and Lublin airports after security threats ballooned due to a broad-scale Russian missile and cruise missile attack on Ukraine. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) ordered the operations suspension at these southeastern airports to safeguard and protect air traffic services to the public.

Over the course of this period, there were additional military activities, and though the missile strikes were aimed at Ukraine, Poland’s close proximity to the region of conflict suggested there were potential threats to Poland’s air traffic services. This decision further illustrates the conflict’s impact on the region’s airspace and the overall infrastructure of the civil aviation system.

Why Were The Airports Closed Temporarily?

With the escalation of the security situation, Rzeszów and Lublin airports were closed as a defensive move by the Polish Armed Forces. Following a Russian attack on a number of Ukrainian cities, which activated air raid sirens in numerous Ukrainian cities, Rzeszów and Lublin airports were closed. Civilian air traffic was restricted in Poland’s airspace to enable the operation of military fighter jets and other military aircraft.

To protect Canada’s NATO commitment, Poland needed to have some military aviation functions open. By closing some airports, Poland could geographically free some defensive military air spaces.

Impact on Civilian Air Travel

Airport closures impacted many passengers traveling in Southeastern Europe. Lublin and Rzeszów airports are important connection points and affect flights to and from Ukraine and Poland. Flight cancellations affected travelers and created chaotic flight schedules. Passengers traveling through these to/from Ukraine and Poland closures faced flight plan disruptions.

Although other airports were within aviation jurisdiction and were supposed to open flights, rapid flight transfers delayed other operational flights and created additional restrictions. The Polish government warned passengers of chaotic operational flights and uncontrolled flight plan mobility created by the disturbed security. Passengers were encouraged to check flights through operational flight portals and to wait.

If you were planning to take a flight from Rzeszów or Lublin on February 17, 2026, you were told to make other travel plans. This included booking other flights from Kraków or Warsaw, which are other airports. From the Ministry of Infrastructure of Poland, travelers were told the most up-to-date travel information on the website when it was updated.

Regional Security and Airspace Control

The temporary closing of Rzeszów and Lublin airports shows the challenges Poland and other NATO countries have when it comes to conflict management. Although there have been no direct missile strikes on Poland, there were other military and missile-related concerns regarding a malfunctioning missile. This caused PANSA and the Polish military to ensure their skies.

The decision shows how much the safety of citizens is prioritized in the regions impacted by the war in Ukraine. Military planes get sent up at a moment’s notice due to a perceived threat, so there is a clear need to keep airspace clear for these kinds of operations. Closing a civilian airport is a way for the government to keep the risk to the military’s operational defense as low as possible without a huge loss in flexibility.

Effects of Uncertainty in Eastern Europe’s Airspace in Relation to the Ongoing War for Southeastern Poland’s Airspace

The temporary closure of Rzeszów and Lublin airports highlights the ever-increasing uncertainty for Eastern Europe’s border regions due to the war and ongoing military operations. Airport closures of this kind occur so infrequently that it is a clear display of the precarious nature of regional air traffic. In this regard, air traffic remains understudied and underprepared. Uncertainty is even more palpable in Poland, as the imbalance between easily visible civilian traffic and the easily controlled military air traffic grows.

As NATO increases its presence along Poland’s borders, Poland’s aviation sector will need to continually adapt to the changing security environment. Poland will need to strengthen the integration of civil and military aviation. Travelers flying through southeastern Poland should be aware of security alerts and plan to be flexible with travel delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

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