Drone Disruptions at Copenhagen Airport Deemed ‘Most serious Attack’ on Danish infrastructure
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Operations at Copenhagen Airport were significantly disrupted Monday evening by multiple large drones, an incident Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has labeled “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date.” The airport temporarily halted all takeoffs and landings consequently of the drone activity, impacting approximately 35 flights and causing delays and cancellations.
The incident, which began around 8:26 p.m. local time (1826 UTC), involved two to three large drones observed flying in the area, reportedly turning their lights on and off before disappearing after several hours.Danish police believe a “capable operator” was responsible, possessing the “capabilities, the will and the tools to show off in this way,” according to Chief Superintendent Jens Jespersen.
The disruption at Copenhagen Airport occurred alongside a similar, though less impactful, drone incident at Oslo Airport in Norway, where traffic was temporarily rerouted to a single runway. These events follow a recent trend of drone activity, airspace violations, and hacking attempts targeting European airports, raising security concerns across Northern Europe. The timing also coincides with heightened anxieties surrounding reported Russian sabotage activities and increased incursions into NATO airspace.
Frederiksen emphasized the incident underscores the evolving security landscape. “This says something about the times we live in and what we as a society must be prepared for,” she stated, adding that authorities are not ruling out any possibilities regarding the perpetrators.
Copenhagen Airport resumed operations after several hours, but warned passengers to expect continued delays and cancellations. Police are continuing to investigate the origin and intent behind the drone operation.
