This week, one or more Russian missile launches will be carried out in the Baltic Sea.

The result is that air traffic will have to take a detour on April 4–6.

”"It's in international waters, they can do this. But it creates additional work for aviation. The consequences will be longer flight routes, higher load on air traffic control and reduced capacity in the area," says Jörgen Andersson, head of the airspace and airports section at the Swedish Transport Agency.

The Swedish Transport Agency has received the information from the Russian Navy, as this part of the airspace over the Baltic Sea is part of what is called the Swedish flight information region. This means that it is the Swedish authorities who are responsible for informing aviation.

Jörgen Andersson does not know what type of missiles will be launched, nor whether there will be one or more, but he believes there will be several.

The Swedish Defense Forces are aware of the plans, but do not want to comment on whether and if so how the activities will be monitored, reports P4 Blekinge.

The area that is closed to air traffic is about the size of Bornholm and is located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, about 150 kilometers from Blekinge. Many aircraft normally pass through here. According to information from the Russian Navy, an area 20,000 meters up in the air could be affected.

Will travelers notice anything?

”"What travelers will probably notice is that there may be delays or it may take a little longer because you can't fly directly," says Jörgen Andersson.

Source: TT