Warsaw Chopin, Rzeszów-Jasionka, Warsaw Modlin and Lublin airports have suspended operations for national security reasons.

Polish skies are under high tension. On the evening of Tuesday, September 9, four of the country's airports, including the main international hub, Warsaw Chopin Airport, closed their doors following "unforeseen military activity related to state security," according to notices published on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website, which Reuters was able to consult. Rzeszów-Jasionka, Warsaw-Modlin, and Lublin airports also suspended operations.

"In order to ensure the security of Polish airspace, the Operational Commander of the Polish Armed Forces has initiated all necessary procedures," the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said in a message published on X.

“Preventive measures”

"Polish and allied aircraft are operating in our airspace, and ground-based air defense and radar reconnaissance systems have reached their maximum readiness level. These measures are preventive in nature and aimed at securing the airspace and protecting citizens, particularly in areas adjacent to the threatened zone."

Earlier, according to Reuters, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on the messaging app Telegram the presence of Russian drones heading west and threatening the Polish city of Zamosc. The message has since been deleted. Meanwhile, Ukrainian media reported that at least one drone was heading towards Rzeszów, in western Poland. Reuters was unable to verify this information.

"We believe Vladimir Putin is ready to invade other countries"

On Tuesday, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, visiting Finland, warned of the threat of further Russian military expansion after Ukraine. "While we are, of course, waiting for long-term peace, permanent peace, which is necessary for our regions, we believe that Vladimir Putin is ready to invade other countries as well," said the recently elected Polish nationalist president. "This is exactly why we are developing our armed forces, our partnership, and our relations with our allies," he added, without giving specific examples.