The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that, during the night of November 28–29, 2025, the airspace of the Republic of Moldova was temporarily closed for approximately one hour and ten minutes, between 22:43 and 23:53, as an emergency measure after two unidentified drones illegally flew over national territory, posing a direct threat to aviation safety.

The initial alert was received at 22:50 through operational channels from military authorities and was later confirmed by Ukraine’s border structures. The drones, identified by Ukrainian authorities as being of the "Gherbera" type, crossed the airspace along the Stanislavka (Odesa region) – Vărăncău (Transnistrian region) route. A patrol from the “Otaci” Border Police Sector reported hearing sounds resembling those of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Due to the major risk to civil aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Moldova issued an emergency NOTAM, ordering the immediate closure of the airspace.

As a result of the security restrictions, two aircraft approaching Chișinău International Airport were diverted to an alternative airport in Romania, and one aircraft preparing for takeoff was temporarily grounded until the threat was lifted.

Specifically, the Paris – Chișinău (5F 5902) and Barcelona – Chișinău (5F 5512) flights, which were in the landing phase, were redirected to Romania. The flight from Barcelona landed in Bacău, Romania, while the one from Paris landed at Chișinău International Airport with a delay, after the threat had passed. Additionally, the Chișinău – Sharm El-Sheikh (4V 7503) flight was temporarily held on the ground until the reopening of Moldovan airspace. After 23:32, the airspace was reopened for takeoffs and landings, with temporary restrictions maintained in the northern zone until full confirmation of the drones’ exit from national airspace.

Following the incident notification, Moldova’s competent authorities immediately activated interinstitutional response and coordination mechanisms, with the situation being continuously monitored in real time.

The Border Police, National Police, Ministry of Defense, and other security structures acted in concert, in accordance with legal procedures, by initiating field checks along possible drone routes, intensifying surveillance of the state border and areas of responsibility, continuously monitoring the airspace and related risks, and maintaining a constant flow of information between national institutions and external partners. All these measures aimed to protect the population and ensure national security in the face of incidents that could endanger lives and public safety.

As of now, no objects, debris, or elements posing a danger to the population have been identified, and operational data confirm that both drones have definitively exited Moldovan airspace, moving deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Authorities continue to monitor the area and remain on high alert to safeguard citizens’ safety.

The Republic of Moldova strongly condemns these illegal and dangerous actions, which endangered civil flight safety and human lives. Such violations are hostile acts of intimidation and destabilization, characteristic of the regional context marked by the Russian Federation’s military aggression.

Citizens are informed that the unauthorized airspace incursion was managed promptly and effectively. The airspace was temporarily restricted to protect civil flights, and all security and surveillance measures were activated.

Citizens can be assured that authorities continue to closely monitor the airspace and take all necessary measures to prevent any risks, ensuring the protection of passengers, the population, and air traffic.

In light of the recent incident and intensified airspace surveillance, authorities urge citizens to strictly follow official instructions, avoid approaching areas where monitoring operations are underway, and remain vigilant in the event of unidentified flying object sightings. Maintaining calm and cooperating with responsible institutions is essential to public safety and the effective implementation of preventive measures to protect the population.