Spotters at Rzeszów–Jasionka—Poland’s southeastern airport that doubles as NATO’s primary logistics hub for Ukraine—counted at least ten allied transport aircraft rotations in the past 72 hours, the Voennaya Hronika defence channel reported on 14 January 2026. The mix included Belgian A400Ms, Canadian C-17s, British and French KC-30 tankers and Polish C-295s.
While military movements normally operate on separate stands, local ground handlers say ramp capacity is nearing saturation during the morning peak, prompting occasional slot swaps with civil charter operators. Rzeszów handles multiple seasonal ski charters and corporate shuttles supporting U.S. defence contractors; several flights were reportedly pushed back by 40 minutes this week.
Meanwhile, VisaHQ can relieve some of the administrative pressure on mobility teams. Its Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) tracks Schengen visa requirements in real time, flags humanitarian or diplomatic exemptions and offers expedited passport courier services—critical when maintenance crews or relief staff have to reposition to Rzeszów on short notice.
![Surge in NATO cargo flights at Rzeszów airport raises congestion concerns for civil charters]()
A spokesperson for the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency told business-aviation users to file flight plans at least 12 hours ahead and expect tactical re-clearance on departure. Carriers operating incentive trips to the Bieszczady mountains or crew changes for Ukraine-adjacent aid projects should also monitor NOTAMs for temporary airspace reservations.
Travel-risk consultants note the build-up could signal an accelerated resupply phase as Russia targets Black Sea ports, making air corridors through Poland more vital. Although no civilian flights have been cancelled, mobility teams should brief travellers on possible schedule volatility and ensure EU261 contingency plans are in place.
For companies staging expatriate evacuations or shipping high-value equipment via Rzeszów, early booking of bonded-warehouse space and ground transport to Lublin or Kraków is advisable in case apron congestion worsens.
While military movements normally operate on separate stands, local ground handlers say ramp capacity is nearing saturation during the morning peak, prompting occasional slot swaps with civil charter operators. Rzeszów handles multiple seasonal ski charters and corporate shuttles supporting U.S. defence contractors; several flights were reportedly pushed back by 40 minutes this week.
Meanwhile, VisaHQ can relieve some of the administrative pressure on mobility teams. Its Poland portal (https://www.visahq.com/poland/) tracks Schengen visa requirements in real time, flags humanitarian or diplomatic exemptions and offers expedited passport courier services—critical when maintenance crews or relief staff have to reposition to Rzeszów on short notice.
A spokesperson for the Polish Air Navigation Services Agency told business-aviation users to file flight plans at least 12 hours ahead and expect tactical re-clearance on departure. Carriers operating incentive trips to the Bieszczady mountains or crew changes for Ukraine-adjacent aid projects should also monitor NOTAMs for temporary airspace reservations.
Travel-risk consultants note the build-up could signal an accelerated resupply phase as Russia targets Black Sea ports, making air corridors through Poland more vital. Although no civilian flights have been cancelled, mobility teams should brief travellers on possible schedule volatility and ensure EU261 contingency plans are in place.
For companies staging expatriate evacuations or shipping high-value equipment via Rzeszów, early booking of bonded-warehouse space and ground transport to Lublin or Kraków is advisable in case apron congestion worsens.
