Chișinău, 24 February 2022 (TDI): Moldova has announced to shut its airspace amid escalating Ukraine Russia conflict. In an official statement by the Government of Moldova, this news was shared on Twitter.
The Tweet claims that to avoid placing the risk on civilian flights, with reference to the actions near its border, the Republic of Moldova, through the Civil Aviation Authority has ordered the closure of the airspace. Consequently, flights to Chisinau will be redirected to Iasi.
In order to avoid putting at risk civilian flights, in the context of actions near the border, the Republic of Moldova 🇲🇩, through the Civil Aviation Authority, ordered the closure of the airspace. Flights to Chisinau will be redirected to Iasi.
— Government of Republic of Moldova (@GuvernulRMD) February 24, 2022
Earlier, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu stated that the Supreme Security Council of the country has decided to ask parliament to introduce a nationwide state of emergency in the wake of Russia attacking the neighboring Ukraine.
President Maia Sandu further enunciated today, that Russia’s attack on Ukraine was a “flagrant violation of international norms.” The President urged the Moldovan citizens in Ukraine to return home.
It is pertinent to note that Moldova is a former Soviet republic as well as one of the poorest nations of Europe. It has a population of around 3.5 million. Moreover, it is a not NATO member.
The country is hence apprehensive that the neighboring conflict would trigger an inflow of refugees. In this regard, Moldovan President Sandu pointed out that “there is an increase in traffic flow at the border crossing points with Ukraine.”
Aside from that, she also added that “At this moment, we are ready to accommodate tens of thousands of people and we will help people who need our support.” The situation is quickly spiraling in the region as Russia launched an attack today.
