Denmark and Norway temporarily shut down their main airports on Monday evening after drones were reported flying near Copenhagen and Oslo, disrupting travel for tens of thousands of passengers.
Copenhagen Airport confirmed that airspace was closed at around 20:30 local time, with take-offs and landings suspended for nearly four hours. Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 reported that at least 35 flights were diverted, while police estimated that about 20,000 passengers were affected. Operations resumed shortly after midnight.
Danish police said two to three large drones were observed but could not confirm their type or origin. Deputy Police Inspector Jakob Hansen told reporters the aircraft were likely operated by a “capable” individual seeking attention, though investigators stressed there was no indication of an intent to cause harm. Armed forces were activated during the incident, and police said additional measures would follow as part of the investigation.
In Norway, Oslo Airport closed its airspace around midnight after a drone sighting. Flights were diverted until operations resumed at 04:30 local time, according to airport officials. Norwegian police confirmed the incident to broadcaster NRK.
In Norway, Oslo Airport closed its airspace around midnight after a drone sighting. Flights were diverted until operations resumed at 04:30 local time, according to airport officials. Norwegian police confirmed the incident to broadcaster NRK.
The closures raised speculation about possible Russian involvement. Asked directly on Monday, Danish police declined to confirm or deny that the drones originated from Russia.
Later, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky referenced a “Russian violation” of NATO airspace in Copenhagen but provided no evidence. EU and NATO officials have not made any public attribution and Danish police said there was nothing immediately linking the incidents in Denmark and Norway.
Copenhagen Airport warned of the potential for further delays and cancellations on Tuesday as airlines worked to recover from the disruption.
VERWANDTER INHALT: Die Lehren aus dem Vorfall in Gatwick
Post Image Credit: Avinor via Wikipedia
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