air alert

American  

noun

1. the act of flying while waiting for combat orders or for enemy airplanes to appear.

2. the signal to take stations for such action.

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air alert British  

noun

1. the condition in which combat aircraft are airborne and ready for an operation

2. a signal to prepare for this

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Etymology

Origin of air alert

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The mayor of Kyiv said before the air alert was lifted that drone debris had crashed in two districts of the city but did not report any casualties.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

The Ukrainian military said the whole country has been placed under an air alert.

From BBC • Sep. 4, 2024

But by late afternoon, as darkness fell, there had not been even one air alert in Kyiv.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2023

And those same apps didn’t have “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill announcing when the danger has passed, reassuringly saying in his Luke Skywalker voice: “The air alert is over. May the force be with you.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 20, 2023

"There is a big threat of a missile attack. I want to stress again - do not ignore the air alert sirens," said Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv city military administration.

From Reuters • Feb. 10, 2023