Shahed drone violates Moldovan airspace: departure of Zelensky's aircraft delayed at Chisinau airport

On the evening of September 8, 2026, the authorities of Moldova temporarily closed the country's airspace after a Russian-made Shahed-type drone illegally crossed the border from the Ukrainian side. The incident coincided in time with the presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's aircraft at Chisinau International Airport, which was unable to depart on schedule due to the imposed restrictions. This is reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing a publication by Moldova Liberă.

Timeline of the incident

The airspace violation was recorded at approximately 16:20, and flight restrictions were introduced immediately after 16:30. The authorities explained the decision as necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft that were in the air over Moldova at that moment. After 17:20, Moldovan authorities confirmed that the drone had crashed and exploded near the village of Starî Mihaileni in the Rîșcani district. According to their data, the crash site was located approximately 160 kilometers from Chisinau International Airport. After the incident was confirmed, the flight restrictions were lifted.

Impact on flights and Zelensky's aircraft

Due to the closure of the airspace, three departures and four landings were delayed. Among the aircraft that failed to depart on time was the plane carrying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: his aircraft remained at Chisinau Airport while the authorities monitored the drone situation. Once the threat was cleared, the aircraft was able to depart with a delay. This fact was confirmed by the press secretary of the Moldovan government, Dmitri Choriș.

Contradictory data

Here, the versions of the parties diverge. Later, the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, stated that Zelensky's aircraft was allegedly "almost hit" by the drone during its departure from Moldova. Moldovan authorities, however, in their statement confirmed only the fact of the aircraft's delay due to the closure of the airspace, without confirming the version of a direct or near collision with the drone. Thus, one side speaks of a near-miss strike, while the other — of a planned delay against the backdrop of restrictions.

Context

Recall that on September 8, the flight of a Shahed-type strike drone crossing the country's airspace was recorded in Moldova. Against the backdrop of the emerging threat, the authorities temporarily restricted flights, which led to the delay of several flights, including the aircraft of the President of Ukraine.