Denmark authorities closed Copenhagen Airport on Monday night after spotting multiple large drones in its airspace. According to police, two to three drones were seen flying near the airport, prompting an immediate suspension of all takeoffs and landings.Police confirmed that the airport would stay shut until further notice to ensure passenger safety.
Drones Also Spotted Over Sweden and Norway
Shortly after the Danish report, officials in Sweden and Norway also confirmed drone sightings. Sweden’s broadcaster SVT reported that one drone was seen over the sea between Denmark and Sweden. Meanwhile, Norwegian police stated that two drones were detected flying toward Oslo.
Dagbladet reported that police in Oslo arrested two foreign nationals for operating drones inside a no-fly zone in the city’s central area. Authorities in all three countries are investigating the incidents, but the exact origin of the drones remains unclear.
Flights Diverted and Canceled
The sudden airport shutdown caused major flight disruptions. According to FlightRadar, more than 50 incoming flights were diverted to other airports. Eurocontrol reported that at least 50 flights were also canceled. In total, around 100 flights were affected by the closure.
Most flights were redirected to other Danish airports, including Billund and Aarhus. Some planes were also diverted to Malmö and Gothenburg airports in Sweden. Officials stated that Copenhagen Airport will remain closed until 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday.
Growing Concerns Across Europe
These sightings come amid increasing drone activity across Europe. Earlier this month, NATO members Poland, Romania, and Estonia reported Russian drones and jets entering their airspace.
In those cases, NATO scrambled fighter jets to assess the situation. Russia, however, denied any involvement, calling the accusations “baseless provocations.” The incidents have raised security concerns, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to escalate.
Heightened Security Measures
Authorities in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have increased patrols and airspace monitoring in response to the latest sightings. Investigations are underway to determine whether these incidents are linked and if they pose a broader threat to European air security.