The Estonian Defense Forces says it will work to keep Tartu–Helsinki flights running despite new nighttime airspace limits that cover the city and the rest of Eastern Estonia.
Flights on the Helsinki–Tartu–Helsinki route were canceled overnight into Friday after airspace restrictions took effect. Col. Riivo Valge, commander of the Estonian Air Force, told ERR Friday the EDF is doing “everything in our power” to keep Tartu Airport running.
Established at the EDF’s request, the temporary airspace restriction covers Eastern Estonia, from Pedassaar south to the Estonian–Latvian border along the eastern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv and east all the way to the eastern border. It extends up to a height of 6,000 meters and is in effect from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Those hours overlap with Finnair’s scheduled Tartu flights, which land at Tartu Airport at 12:45 a.m. and depart again at 6 a.m.
Valge said the canceled flight Thursday night was the airline’s call. “If they had coordinated with us, they could have flown, but it was their decision not to operate that flight,” he explained.
“We understand this air service is vital for Tartu, and efforts are underway to keep it running smoothly,” he added.
More read: ERR.EE
