Moldova Shuts Airspace Amid Fears of Coup by Russia

CHISINAU – Moldova on Tuesday (14/2/2023), had temporarily closed its airspace amid fears of a coup against the local government orchestrated by Russia .

The airspace closure was revealed by the country’s national carrier, just hours after Russia rejected claims it was planning to overthrow the Moldovan government.

Air Moldova announced the closure of the airspace on Facebook at around 2pm local time, before issuing an update at 3.17pm saying the airspace had reopened.

“Dear passengers, currently the airspace of the Republic of Moldova is closed. We await the resumption of flights,” Air Moldova announced on Facebook.

“Update—The airspace has been opened!” the airline’s announcement sounded shortly thereafter.

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Sources at Chisinau International Airport told Reuters that the country’s airspace was temporarily closed due to security concerns.

The situation comes as fears of a coup orchestrated by Russia are growing. On Monday, Moldovan President Maia Sandu alleged that Russia, with the help of people posing as anti-government protesters, was trying to overthrow his government and stop the small eastern European country from joining the European Union.

Sandu, an ally of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, also accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of wanting to use Moldova in a war against Ukraine.