Copenhagen: Copenhagen Airport, the busiest aviation hub in the Nordic region, faced an unprecedented disruption on Monday evening when multiple drones were spotted flying near its airspace, prompting authorities to shut down operations for nearly four hours. Danish police described the incident as the work of a “capable operator,” suggesting that the activity was both deliberate and technically sophisticated.
According to eyewitnesses and security personnel, the drones approached the airport from different directions, with their lights intermittently flashing before vanishing from sight. The unexpected intrusion forced airport officials to halt all landings and takeoffs, affecting dozens of incoming and outgoing flights. Around 50 flights were diverted, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded and causing widespread disruption across Scandinavia’s major air travel network.
Chief Superintendent Jens Jespersen of Copenhagen Police emphasized that the operation appeared highly coordinated, reflecting an understanding of aviation procedures and drone technology. “This was not random; the individual or group behind this possesses clear technical expertise,” Jespersen said. Despite the scale of the disruption, no suspects have yet been identified, and it remains unclear if the incident is linked to similar drone sightings reported at Oslo Airport in Norway in recent months.
The Danish Civil Aviation Authority has launched a formal investigation into the incident. Authorities are now reviewing security protocols and exploring ways to enhance drone detection systems around critical airspace. Aviation experts warn that as drones become increasingly accessible, unauthorized flights near airports could pose a serious threat to passenger safety, flight schedules, and national security.
While Copenhagen Airport resumed operations early Tuesday, many flights continued to experience delays and cancellations, illustrating the ripple effects of such technological disruptions. The incident highlights the growing challenges airports worldwide face in monitoring and controlling the skies in an era where unmanned aerial vehicles can be deployed with precision and intent. Danish officials are calling for stricter regulations and advanced mitigation strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.