Flights at Copenhagen and Oslo airports were suspended on Monday night due to the sighting of unauthorized drones near both international hubs. The authorities responded by closing the airspace for several hours, removing dozens of flights, and triggering immediate security measures.
While both airports resumed operations on Tuesday morning, the incident is being treated seriously, with a joint investigation. Officials say that the nature and origin of the drone involved remains unknown, but the situation has raised widespread concerns about regional airship safety.
What Happened in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen Airport first suspended take-offs and landings around 20:30 local time following reports of two to three large drones flying in the vicinity. The closure lasted approximately four hours, causing more than 35 flights to be rerouted to alternate airports.
Danish police stated they could not confirm the number or type of drones seen. Additionally, their current whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have announced enhanced security measures, though details were not disclosed.
The drone airport disruption prompted a press briefing from local police, who assured the public that operations would continue under heightened surveillance. Another update was scheduled for Tuesday morning. Here is the link to our article on the Pearson Airport Shooting.
What Was the Impact in Oslo?
Norwegian authorities also reported a drone sighting near Oslo’s main airport around midnight local time. As a result, airspace over the area was closed, and incoming flights were redirected.
Oslo Airport reopened at approximately 04:30 local time, after a four-hour suspension. Local officials confirmed that investigations would run parallel to Denmark’s efforts. Law enforcement from both countries will coordinate to determine if the events are linked.
Are There Suspicions of Foreign Involvement?
When questioned about potential foreign involvement, Danish officials neither confirmed nor denied the possibility that the drones originated from another country. The lack of conclusive evidence has left room for speculation, although no government has been officially blamed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later referenced a “violation of NATO airspace” in Copenhagen but did not provide further details. Meanwhile, neither NATO nor the European Union has issued a formal attribution regarding the drone airport disruption. Here is the link to our article on Wellington Airport Change.
How Are Authorities Responding?
Both Denmark and Norway have activated joint response protocols. Air traffic controllers and airport authorities remain on high alert for any renewed drone activity. Passengers were urged to check flight statuses directly with airlines due to potential lingering delays.
Police have also confirmed that surveillance systems are being enhanced, and future protocols may be updated to prevent similar incidents.
Final Thoughts
This drone airport disintegration underlines the increasing safety threat that poses for unmanned air vehicle commercial aviation. As the investigation continues, Nordic officials are tightening the coordination and reviewing the emergency response processes.
With the regional airspace under investigation, the incident may push European governments to protect drone regulation and counter-drone defense systems to protect significant infrastructure.
