Fact-check: Does Latvia really not restrict its airspace?

In recent times, Latvia has recorded several incidents in which drones entered the country's airspace. These incidents have drawn wider public attention and sparked discussion about how secure Latvia's airspace actually is and whether the responsible institutions are able to respond effectively to such threats.

In connection with these incidents, calls have appeared on social media urging authorities to "close the skies" — that is, demands for stricter restrictions or a full closure of airspace to prevent further drone incursions. Such statements reflect public concern and a desire for more concrete action from the state.

The fact-check

In response to this discussion, the TVNET group's fact-checking project "Faktomāts" set out to determine whether the claim that Latvia does nothing to restrict airspace use in such cases is accurate. The purpose of the check is to give the public clear, verified information about how the state actually acts in airspace-related incidents, rather than relying on claims circulating on social media or emotional reactions.

The question of airspace security and its regulation has become more prominent across the region recently, as drone incidents are not unique to Latvia — similar situations have been reported elsewhere as well. This increases the need for precise, fact-based information so residents can form an informed view of the situation instead of relying on unverified claims.

"Faktomāts" is a TVNET group project tasked with checking claims and myths circulating in society and providing evidence-based conclusions. This check is part of a broader practice in which media outlets seek to confirm or debunk claims spreading on social media about issues affecting national security and everyday life.