Drone Activity Disrupts Danish Airports, Prompts Heightened Security
A series of drone sightings caused disruption at several Danish airports and a military facility Wednesday evening and overnight into Thursday. Aalborg Airport experienced airspace closures and flight rerouting as a large-scale police operation, involving the National Police, Danish Security Intelligence service (PET), and the Swedish Armed Forces, was launched.
Beyond Aalborg, drones were also detected at Esbjerg Airport, Sønderborg Airport, Skrydstrup Air Base, and the Dragon Regiment’s barracks in holstebro. While no flights were impacted at Esbjerg, Sønderborg, or skrydstrup due to nighttime schedules, Billund Airport briefly closed it’s airspace for an hour following a drone report, though police were unable to confirm the presence of drones and flights resumed normally.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen characterized the incidents as a systematic, “hybrid attack” intended to instill fear and division, while emphasizing that Denmark does not currently face a direct military threat. The drones were reportedly visible, equipped with lights, mirroring similar activity that disrupted Copenhagen Airport Kastrup earlier this week.
despite being present in airport airspace for several hours, authorities opted not to shoot down the drones. Defense Manager Michael Hyldgaard explained this decision was based on a thorough safety assessment prioritizing public security.
The Danish government is now focused on bolstering its drone detection and defense capabilities. Ministers announced plans to introduce legislation that would expand the authority to intercept and neutralize drones.
National Police Chief Thorkild Fogde stated that a full investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the drone flights. The Danish crisis management team (Nost) has been fully activated and is operating around the clock.
