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Türkiye takes measures to protect air traffic after UAV enters its airspace

20 December 2025 13:13 (UTC +04:00)

After a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) entering Türkiye's airspace was detected on December 15, the routes of passenger planes were immediately changed, said Türkiye's Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, APA’s Türkiye bureau reports.

The minister noted that the Russia–Ukraine war poses a threat to air transportation, especially the movement of passenger aircraft, just as it does to maritime transport:

“We took immediate measures to ensure air traffic safety in the incident of the drone we shot down on December 15. We redirected aircraft on that route to the nearest airports to ensure safe landings. After securing the safety of our planes, the UAV was shot down. Later, we ensured the safe continuation of civilian air traffic.

We also take necessary measures to protect our critical surface and underwater facilities in the Black Sea. Our drilling vessels are vital. We take precautions against UAVs and USVs that have lost their route or gone out of control, as well as potential threats from underwater,” the minister said.