Copenhagen: Air travel across western Denmark resumed Thursday morning following a series of drone incursions that forced temporary closures of multiple airports, causing widespread disruption for travelers and raising concerns about national security. Authorities confirmed that the affected airports, including Billund, Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and the Skrydstrup airbase, have now returned to normal operations after extensive safety checks.
The disturbances began late Wednesday night when unidentified drones entered restricted airspace near major airports. Billund Airport, Denmark’s second-largest, halted operations for nearly an hour, while Aalborg Airport, which caters to both civilian and military flights, remained closed for almost three hours. The Skrydstrup airbase, home to F 16 and F 35 jets, also reported drone sightings, highlighting the potential risk to sensitive military installations. Eyewitnesses described “green blinking lights” hovering over the runways, drifting toward western sectors away from the main airport areas.
Danish authorities have stated that this incident mirrors a similar disruption that occurred earlier in the week at Copenhagen Airport. Police have described the events as the most serious breach of Danish airspace in recent years, emphasizing the importance of enhanced monitoring and rapid response measures. While some officials have hinted at possible links to drone operations seen in other parts of Europe, no concrete evidence has been presented, and the Russian ambassador to Denmark has denied any involvement.
Experts point out that these incidents reflect a growing pattern of drone-related security threats across Europe, where relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles can disrupt both civilian and military operations. Danish defense and justice ministers have scheduled a joint briefing to discuss the security lapse, outline preventive measures, and reassure the public about the safety of air travel.
As flights resume, the episode underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to emerging aerial threats and highlights the urgent need for robust counter-drone strategies, improved surveillance systems, and coordinated response protocols. Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight schedules, while authorities continue to investigate the origins and motives behind the drone incursions.