Estonian national flags flutter in Freedom Square, with St. John’s Church in the background, Tallinn, Estonia, September 1, 2022. AP/Pavel Golovkin
Estonia has announced a temporary ban on flights along the entire eastern section of the border in response to the activity of Russian forces and the use of Ukrainian drones near the Leningrad region. According to local sources, the restrictions will last over the coming weeks, daily from 20:00 to 07:00 at altitudes up to 6,000 meters, which allows tightening airspace control and providing more reliable protection of air routes.
“We are simply limiting part of aviation activity. In plain language, that means that those who contact us and justify their actions, such as the Police and Border Guard Department last night when they were searching for a missing person with a drone, can continue to operate. We are introducing this measure so that observers have fewer objects to track. And if an incident occurs, it will be easier to remove from the zone or land peaceful aircraft”,
– Riivo Valge
The introduction of the restricted zone is tied to the need for defense forces to have more detailed air surveillance, to conduct training exercises, and to provide flexible airspace protection amid rising tensions over the Baltic region. At the same time, it is noted that the airspace over St. Petersburg was closed due to an attack; Russian aircraft and helicopters near the borders are under heightened surveillance, and monitoring has intensified. This happened last night (September 11).
“We have received information that the airspace over St. Petersburg was closed due to an attack. We have been closely monitoring Russian aircraft and helicopters near our borders and have strengthened our surveillance capabilities. This happened exactly last night (September 11 – ed.)”
– Riivo Valge
According to the military, it is too early to say how long the restrictions will last. They also report that the measures affected the Helsinki–Tartu route: after reviewing the zone, part of the route was left available for flights at certain times. Such steps indicate heightened attention to the Baltic region and intensified monitoring of the airspace near borders.
In the region, similar restricted zones have already been introduced by Finland and Latvia, underscoring the growing tension over the Baltic and the need for coordination among neighboring countries in the field of aviation security. Official services expect that the restrictions will remain for several days or weeks while defense structures adapt monitoring and protection of airspace in line with the Baltic situation.
Context and implications for the region
Such actions by Estonia indicate stricter approaches to airspace control on the eastern border and in neighboring areas. They reflect the broader trend of increasing surveillance over the Baltic and strengthening coordination among allies in the realm of air security.
Prospects and conclusion
Experts expect that the restrictions may remain in effect for several days or weeks, until defense agencies adapt monitoring and response systems to the changing situation over the Baltic. At the same time, the Baltic states emphasize the importance of joint cooperation to ensure civilian aviation safety and regional stability.