NATO Logistics Hub Rzeszow Shuts Down: Why Poland Closed Two Key Airports

Two key airports in southeastern Poland, Rzeszow–Jasionka Airport (RZE) and Lublin Airport (LUZ), temporarily suspended civilian flight operations on February 7, 2026. The closures were a direct and precautionary response to a massive wave of Russian missile and drone strikes targeting infrastructure across neighboring Ukraine.

Poland’s Operational Command of the Armed Forces confirmed the activation of military aviation in Polish airspace to ensure security. The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) announced the temporary halt. This action was necessary to allow the free operation of military aviation, including NATO aircraft, securing the airspace near threatened regions.

Strategic Aviation Impact

The closure highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on commercial aviation near NATO’s Eastern Flank tensions. Both Rzeszow and Lublin are situated close to the Polish-Ukrainian border.

Rzeszow: The NATO Logistics Hub

Rzeszow–Jasionka Airport holds significant strategic importance. It serves as the primary NATO logistics hub for transferring military aid and supplies into Ukraine. The airport has seen a dramatic increase in military cargo traffic since the start of the conflict. This makes its operational status a critical indicator of regional security.

Flight tracking services like FlightRadar24 noted the presence of NATO aircraft operating in the area during the closure. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This notice stated that both airports were inaccessible due to military activity related to state security.

Operational Details and Resumption

The precautionary measure was brief, underscoring its role in managing the immediate threat. The Polish military’s operational command stated the actions were preventive. They were aimed at securing and protecting the airspace adjacent to the regions under attack.

• The military aviation operations were concluded after a few hours.
• The airports resumed normal flight operations around 9 a.m. local time on the same day.
• Authorities confirmed that no violation of Polish airspace occurred during the Russian strikes.

This incident is not the first instance of air traffic disruption in the region due to military activity. The same airports were temporarily closed in the preceding month for similar, though routine, military aviation operations. However, the February 7 closure was directly linked to the large-scale Russian attack on Ukrainian energy facilities. The Polish military thanked NATO Air Command and the German Air Force for their assistance in securing the skies. The quick response demonstrates the heightened state of readiness on the alliance's border.

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