A drone intrusion temporarily closed Moldovan airspace on September 8, delaying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s flight from Moldova to Oslo. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre later said the aircraft had “almost been hit” by a drone, but that level of proximity was not independently confirmed.
Drone intrusion and airspace closure confirmed
Moldovan authorities confirmed that they closed the airspace temporarily to protect aircraft during the incident. Three departures were delayed, including Zelensky’s.
Moldovan police also said a Russian drone crashed in a field in Rîșcani district, causing small fires but no casualties. Debris reportedly showed characteristics similar to a Geran-type drone.
Near-hit claim not confirmed by Moldova
Støre told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that Zelensky’s aircraft had nearly been struck, but he did not publicly provide the source or distance involved. Moldovan authorities confirmed the drone intrusion and flight delay but did not publicly confirm a near-collision.
Why it matters
The episode highlights the direct impact that drone incursions linked to the war in Ukraine can have on civilian and state aviation in neighboring countries. Controllers may need to hold or reroute traffic until the risk is assessed, and even a brief interruption can affect later slots, crew timing and onward connections.
Sources
Associated Press; Reuters; Moldovan authorities.
Related: Moldova: drone intrusion briefly closes part of airspace, another recent incident involving the same airspace.
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