Finnish Air Force exercise to close Highway 9 near Kuopio Airport in November 2026

The Finnish Air Force’s Protective Fence 26 exercise will cause traffic arrangements and movement restrictions in the vicinity of the Karelia Air Wing’s Rissala Air Base from 18 to 25 November 2026. The Jännevirta highway strip on Highway 9 and areas surrounding the air base will be taken into use for the exercise.

Highway 9 will be closed to traffic between the intersection of Toivalantie and Joensuuntie and the eastern side of the Jännevirta bridge. Road 562 (Lentokentäntie) will also be closed between Highway 9 and the intersection of Lentokentäntie and Rantatie for the duration of the exercise. Traffic on Highway 9 will be diverted from Riistavesi towards Juankoski and Nilsiä via roads 567 and 569 and Main Road 75. Traffic to Kuopio Airport will be directed via Road 559 (Vanha Viitonen) and Road 16330 (Jäläntie). Traffic between Kuopio and Joensuu can also use the southern route via Highway 23 and Leppävirta as normal.

From 18 to 25 November 2026, the use of roads 16339 (Ranta-Toivalantie) and 16340 (Uuhilahdentie) will be restricted to the Finnish Defence Forces, properties located within the exercise area and between Jännevirta and Riistavesi, emergency services, and persons who have been granted a separate access permit for a justified reason.

The objective of the Protective Fence 26 exercise is to maintain and develop the readiness of Finland’s air defence. The exercise will involve the use of several bases across Finland in accordance with the Finnish Air Force’s mobile and dispersed operating concept. F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets and other aircraft will use the Jännevirta highway strip as part of the exercise.

In addition, the Karelia Air Wing will conduct the Finnish Air Force’s conscripts final exercise of the unit training period (JPH 2/26) at Rissala Air Base and in the Ruskeamäki–Ranta-Toivala–Jännevirta–Lotteinen area from 22 to 27 November 2026. The Karelia Air Wing’s Force Protection Squadron will also conduct a force protection exercise at Rissala Air Base and in the Ruskeamäki–Ranta-Toivala–Jännevirta–Lotteinen area from 19 to 23 October 2026.

Please see more: Finnish Air Force exercise to close Highway 9 near Kuopio Airport in November 2026 – Ilmavoimat – The Finnish Air Force

Protective Fence 26: Instructions for applying for access permits

Traffic and movement restrictions will be in force around Rissala Air Base during the Finnish Air Force’s Protective Fence 26 exercise from 18 to 25 November 2026.

Residents in the vicinity of the air base and east of Jännevirta in the Jännevirta–Riistavesi area, as well as other persons who require access for a justified reason, may apply for an access permit by 25 October 2026. Applicants granted a permit will be notified by text message by the Karelia Air Wing. During the exercise, access will be permitted by presenting a photo ID and the text message confirming the permit.

Applications will be processed using the access permit application form.

Arrangements related to the exercise:

• Public transport operators will provide information on route timetables through their own communication channels.
• School transport organised by municipalities may use the diversion route once the required permit arrangements have been made.
• A designated route will be provided for cyclists and pedestrians between the Jännevirta bridge and Suininlahdentie. No access permit is required to use this route.
• Emergency vehicles may use the Jännemäentie–Joensuuntie route parallel to Highway 9 for through traffic.
• Employees and customers of businesses operating within the exercise area do not require an access permit to reach the business premises.
• Through traffic on the Ranta-Toivalantie–Uuhilahdentie route is permitted only with an access permit.
  

Submit your access permit application by 25 October 2026: Access permit application: www.ilmavoimat.info/Kulkuluvat-Rissala26Link to an external website

The Karelia Air Wing will notify successful applicants by text message by 30 October 2026. The permit will be valid from 18 to 25 November 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will be processed by the Karelia Air Wing security section. Please contact +358 299 236 901 by telephone.

Restrictions on movement in the Rissala Air Base area 

Movement within the Jännevirta highway strip and Rissala Air Base exercise area taken into use by the Finnish Defence Forces is permitted only for persons with an access permit. A photo ID – passport, driving licence, Kela card with a photograph, or identity card – and the text message confirming the permit must be presented upon request.

Children under the age of 18 travelling with their parents do not require a separate photo ID. If a child is travelling independently in a motor vehicle, he or she must present a photo ID.

Those travelling in the area are asked to note that speed limits will be reduced on the Ranta-Toivalantie–Uuhilahdentie diversion route. Delays should be expected due to exercise activities. Unnecessary travel within the exercise area should be avoided.

The flying of drones and hunting within the exercise area is prohibited 24/7 for the duration of the exercise. The restrictions are necessary to ensure personnel and flight safety.