An Air Force exercise will close Highway 9 near the airport in November

The Air Force’s ‘Protective Fence 26’ exercise will result in traffic arrangements and movement restrictions in the vicinity of the Rissala Air Base, part of the Karelia Air Command, from 18 November to 25 November 2026. The Jännevirta alternate landing site on Highway 9 and the areas surrounding the air base will be used for the exercise.

National Road 9 between the junction of Toivalantie and Joensuuntie and the eastern side of the Jännevirta Bridge, and County Road 562 (Lentokentäntie) between the junction of Highway 9 with Lentokentäntie and Rantatie will be closed to traffic for the duration of the exercise. In addition, access to local roads 16339 (Ranta-Toivalantie) and 16340 (Uuhilahdentie) will be restricted to the Finnish Defence Forces, properties within the exercise area, the emergency services and vehicles with special permission between 18 November and 25 November 2026.

F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and other aircraft are using the Jännevirta alternate landing site as part of the exercise. The aim of the Protective Fence 26 exercise is to maintain and develop Finland’s air defence readiness. The exercise involves the use of several bases across the country, in line with the Air Force’s mobile and decentralised approach to combat.

Diversion routes for traffic on Joensuuntie:

Arrangements and timetables relating to the Karelia Air Command’s autumn training activities:

• Separate announcements will be made regarding the autumn defence exercises organised by the Karelian Air Command’s Defence Unit at the Rissala airbase and in the surrounding area.
• Guidance on applying for a pass for those living in or visiting the training area will be updated on the Air Command’s website in week 39: ilmavoimat.fi/karjalan-lennosto
• A briefing for residents of the training area and the media will be held on Wednesday 7 October 2026, starting at 5.00 pm at Kunnonpaikka.
• Further information on the exercise and traffic arrangements will be updated on the Air Force’s website atwww.ilmavoimat.fi
• Enquiries in advance:karjalanlennosto@mil.fi

The news article can be read on the Air Force’s website via this link.