Latvia closed its airspace to Russia and Belarus starting September 11, joining Poland in restrictions related to the Zapad 2025 military exercises.
Latvia’s Airspace Closure
The Latvian government announced it would be closing its airspace to Russian and Belarusian military flights beginning September 11 at 18:00 for a minimum of one week.
Exercises Zapad 2025
Latvia’s Prime Minister Andris Spruds explained the decision was made in response to the planned joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2025 military exercises near the country’s borders.
Poland’s Similar Measures
Poland has also closed its border crossings with Belarus starting midnight on Thursday night in response to the beginning of Zapad 2025 military exercises near Lithuanian and Polish borders on September 12.
Joint Baltic Defense Exercise Namejs 2025
The closure of airspace coincides with the 12,000-strong joint Baltic defense exercise Namejs 2025, involving military personnel from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
