Russian drone disrupts air traffic in Moldova. Zelensky's plane takes off late
On September 8, a Russian drone entered Moldovan airspace without authorization, resulting in a temporary closure of the airspace and delays for the plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Dumitru Ciorici, the spokesperson for the Chisinau Government, confirmed this after Norwegian media reported that the Ukrainian leader's aircraft was "almost hit" by the drone while preparing for takeoff.
The airspace of the Republic of Moldova was closed on the afternoon of September 8, after 4:30 p.m., due to the detection of an unauthorized Russian drone entering the country's airspace from Ukraine. The government spokesman said the decision was made to protect aircraft flying in the area.
As a result, several flights were affected: three aircraft took off late, and four others were forced to delay their landings.
Authorities confirmed that the drone exploded on the ground in the Mihăilenii Vechi area of the Râșcani district, approximately 160 kilometers from Chișinău International Airport, shortly after 5:20 p.m. Following this, the flight restrictions were lifted.
Dumitru Ciorici confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's plane was among the affected flights. "For this reason, the plane of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took off late from Chișinău International Airport," the official stated.
Earlier, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre mentioned to the public broadcaster NRK that President Zelensky's plane was "almost hit" by the drone while preparing for takeoff in Moldova. However, the Norwegian official did not provide details on the distance between the drone and the aircraft or the source of this information.
Volodymyr Zelensky was at Chișinău International Airport, preparing to fly to Oslo, Norway, where he was scheduled to attend the funeral of King Harald V. During his visit, the Ukrainian leader intended to discuss Ukraine's air defense with Norwegian authorities.
