Zelenskyy Flight Delayed by Drone Incursion in Moldovan Airspace

September 11, 2026 — A drone incursion prompted the temporary closure of Moldovan airspace earlier this week, delaying a flight carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Moldova to Norway. The incident occurred on Tuesday, leading authorities to divert or hold several flights.

Government spokesperson Dumitru Ciorici confirmed on Wednesday that Moldova had closed its airspace Tuesday afternoon to safeguard aircraft operating over the country. This measure impacted three scheduled departures, including the flight intended for President Zelenskyy. He was en route to Oslo to attend the funeral of King Harald V and to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre to discuss potential support for Ukraine’s air defenses.

Drone Identified as Russian-Origin

Moldovan police reported that a Russian drone crashed on Tuesday in a sunflower field located on the outskirts of a village in Riscani district. The impact caused four fires, but no injuries were reported. Explosives experts investigating the crash site discovered fragments of the drone, noting a propulsion system and characteristics consistent with a Geran-type drone, which Russia has frequently deployed in its conflict with Ukraine.

“Investigations identified the point of impact, where an explosion occurred and a crater of considerable size was formed,” police stated, adding that specialists are continuing efforts to ascertain the precise type and mass of the explosive payload.

Airspace Closure and Reopening

The drone incident occurred approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Chișinău International Airport. Following the incursion, Moldovan authorities swiftly implemented airspace restrictions. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told broadcaster NRK that Zelenskyy’s plane “was nearly hit by a drone as it took off from Moldova.”

The drone was tracked as it crossed into neighboring Romania, a NATO member, traversing several northeastern counties before re-entering Moldovan airspace. Two F-18 aircraft from the Spanish Air and Space Forces were scrambled to monitor its trajectory. After the initial disruption, the airspace restrictions were eventually lifted, allowing President Zelenskyy’s plane to depart later than originally scheduled.

Regional Context of Drone Incidents

Both Romania and Moldova, which border Ukraine, have reported numerous drone-related incidents since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. These occurrences underscore the ongoing regional security challenges posed by the conflict.

President Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo on Tuesday as planned, proceeding with his agenda of diplomatic engagements and attendance at the royal funeral.