Drone Sightings Disrupt Air Travel in Denmark and Norway
COPENHAGEN, Denmark & OSLO, Norway – Flights were delayed and cancelled at airports in Denmark and Norway Tuesday following reports of drone sightings, prompting investigations and airspace closures. Copenhagen Airport, the busiest in the Nordic region, halted all takeoffs and landings for nearly four hours before reopening, while Oslo Airport temporarily diverted all flights overnight.
The disruptions highlight growing concerns about drone activity near critical infrastructure. Copenhagen police reported sightings of two or three large drones near the airport, but have yet to locate the devices. “The police have launched an intensive investigation to determine what kind of drones these are,” said Copenhagen police deputy assistant commissioner Jakob Hansen. “The drones have disappeared and we have not taken any of them.” Approximately 50 flights were diverted from Copenhagen to alternate airports, according to FlightRadar.
Oslo Airport shut itS airspace from midnight local time after a drone was observed, with all flights rerouted to nearby airports. The airport later reopened, though delays and some cancellations persisted, prompting airlines to advise passengers to check flight status.
Authorities in both countries are collaborating to determine if the incidents are connected. Avinor, the Norwegian airport operator, confirmed the airspace closure and subsequent reopening of Oslo Airport. Investigations are ongoing in both Denmark and Norway.
