Poland introduces a temporary restricted traffic zone EP R131 in the east of the country from 10 June to 9 September 2026. The zone covers the airspace up to about 3 km in altitude and imposes strict restrictions on civilian flights, especially at night. Exceptions apply to military aircraft and coordinated operations.
- From 10 June to 9 September 2026, the EP R131 zone will be in effect in Poland from the eastern part of the country.
- The zone covers airspace up to an altitude of about 3 km.
- Civilian aircraft are prohibited from flying at night, except for military and approved operations.
- Daytime flights are allowed only with the consent of the military air traffic control.
New air traffic restrictions in eastern Poland
The Polish Air Navigation Agency (PAŻP) has announced the introduction of the EP R131 restricted traffic zone in eastern Poland from 10 June 2026. The zone will be in effect until 9 September 2026 and will cover the airspace from the ground to FL95, approximately 3 km. It replaces the previously existing EP R130 zone, effectively extending it.
Operating mode of the EP R131 zone
At night, from sunset to sunrise, the EP R131 area will be subject to a complete flight ban for civil aviation. The only exceptions are military aircraft and flights approved by the Air Force Operations Centre. During this period, the area will be classified as unclassified space, which means a special control regime.
During the day, from sunrise to sunset, civilian flights are also prohibited unless they have been coordinated with military air traffic control. This allows for individual exceptions for civilian aircraft with appropriate approvals.
Geographical and legal aspects of restrictions
The EP R131 zone will cover the territory of Poland to a depth of 20 to 50 kilometres. Entering this zone without complying with the established rules is considered a violation of Polish aviation law. The restrictions were imposed on the basis of an order issued by the Minister of Infrastructure on 18 January 2019, which allows such measures to be introduced for a period not exceeding three months to ensure the security of the state.
Impact on civil aviation and drones
The new restrictions will make it much more difficult for civilian aircraft to fly in the zone. The Polish agency continues to develop the digital drone ecosystem, but in the EP R131 zone, the activities of drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles will be regulated more strictly.
For operators who need to operate in this area, it is possible to apply for special temporary TRA zones. However, due to military activities in the region, such applications are subject to rigorous analysis and cooperation between stakeholders.
The role of the Polish Air Navigation Agency
PAŻP is the only organisation in Poland responsible for the training and work of civilian air traffic controllers. It also actively introduces innovations in the field of air traffic control and supports EU-funded projects to modernise aviation infrastructure.
Restricted traffic zones, such as EP R131, are part of measures to ensure the safety of flights and the state as a whole, in line with international standards and national legislation. The Polish Military Service is responsible for coordinating flights in such zones.
