Latvia Strengthens Eastern Flank Security with New Air and Land Restrictions
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Latvia is reinforcing its border security with Russia and Belarus, extending both air and land restrictions indefinitely as part of ongoing efforts to manage regional security risks and align with NATO’s defensive posture.
The Ministry of Defence announced on October 7th that existing airspace restrictions along Latvia’s eastern borders will remain in force until further notice. Initially introduced on September 11th, the measures created a 50-kilometre-wide belt of restricted airspace extending up to 6,000 metres in altitude—effectively establishing a drone no-fly zone without affecting commercial aviation.
Latvia, which shares a 172-kilometre border with Belarus and a 283-kilometre border with Russia, first imposed the restrictions for one week but later extended them through October 8th, applying them nightly between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. That nighttime regime will now continue indefinitely, Defence Minister Andris Sprūds confirmed.
Future adjustments, he said, will be coordinated with neighbouring Estonia and Lithuania and aligned with NATO’s “Eastern Sentry” operation, which enhances airspace surveillance and readiness to counter low-flying threats such as drones along the alliance’s eastern flank.
In a parallel move, Latvia has also banned “irregular” coach services to Belarus and Russia until at least October 31st, 2026. A government directive instructs the State Border Guard to block such buses at the Pāternieki, Grebņeva, and Terehova border crossings.
The ban targets chartered or unscheduled bus trips—such as group excursions or cultural delegations—amid what officials describe as rising cross-border activity despite government warnings. Regular scheduled services, however, will continue to operate, with three routes currently serving Belarus and six serving Russia.
Transport Minister Atis Švinka (Progressives) said the measure was necessary due to “the current geopolitical situation” and an uptick in irregular cross-border transport, which he said creates “security risks, including illegal immigration, activities of foreign intelligence services, and recruitment of citizens.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to advise Latvian residents to avoid travel to Belarus and Russia altogether, though many have ignored this guidance.
Together, the extended airspace restrictions and the new transport ban signal Riga’s determination to tighten its eastern borders amid mounting security sensitivities and ongoing regional instability.
