Rzeszow Airport in Poland, Ukraine's wartime air terminal

"Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Rzeszow became the air terminal for delivering military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv. Those imposing missile defense systems visible from the aircraft windows protect key supplies sent by allies. The immediate closure of Ukrainian airspace on February 24, 2022, positioned Rzeszow Airport, 55 miles from the border, as a gateway from Poland."

"They went from handling about 10 or 12 commercial flights a day to receiving between 20 and 40 large cargo planes daily from all over the world, such as Hercules, Boeing 747s, or Antonov An-124s. We weren't prepared for this; we were a small regional airport, these sources recalled. They lacked staff and fuel. The airfield administration expanded its staff from 300 to 550."

"Fuel consumption increased from 100,000 liters per week to between 500,000 and 600,000 liters a day. The lines of trucks were endless. The infrastructure was quickly adapted to receive tons of weaponry and humanitarian aid, military personnel, politicians, NGO workers, and refugees. When the Patriots were installed, it was strange, they acknowledge."

Rzeszow Airport in Poland, located 55 miles from the Ukrainian border, became essential infrastructure following Russia's February 2022 invasion and Ukraine's airspace closure. The modest regional facility rapidly evolved into a primary gateway for delivering military equipment and humanitarian aid to Kyiv. Daily cargo operations increased from 10-12 commercial flights to 20-40 large aircraft including Hercules, Boeing 747s, and Antonov An-124s. Staff expanded from 300 to 550 employees, while fuel consumption surged from 100,000 liters weekly to 500,000-600,000 liters daily. Patriot air defense systems were installed to protect the strategic hub. Despite military operations, the airport maintained civilian status while managing espionage and sabotage threats. Military personnel handled cargo inspection and logistics without storing weapons on-site.

Read at english.elpais.com