Finland restricts air and maritime traffic off Kotka
Tuesday 28th July 2026 on 08:30 in
Finland
The Finnish Defence Forces have closed airspace and maritime routes off the coast of Kotka and in Hamina, the national broadcaster Yle reports.
The airspace restriction took effect shortly after 08:00 local time, followed by the maritime closure. The affected area extends west to Kaunissaari Strait and north to the Port of Hamina.
Authorities describe the measure as a precaution against possible stray drones entering Finnish territory amid Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russia. A Defence Forces media service representative told Yle the closures ensure safe interception of any drones that may veer off course.
Similar restrictions were imposed earlier this month, most recently on 10 July in the eastern Gulf of Finland, also linked to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia.