Drones Disrupt Air Traffic in Denmark, Sparking Security Concerns
Denmark's aviation infrastructure has been severely disrupted by unidentified drone sightings over the past week, resulting in the closure of two major airports. The incidents, which have raised serious security concerns, follow a pattern of recent airspace incursions in Europe.
Background and Context
On Monday, September 22, Denmark's main Copenhagen airport was forced to close following reports of large drone sightings. The airport, which is the busiest in the Nordic region, resumed operations early on the following Tuesday. However, the drone incursions disrupted thousands of passengers, prompting the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, to label the episode the most serious attack
on Denmark's critical infrastructure to date.
Two days later, Denmark's Aalborg airport, which serves both commercial and military flights, was also closed due to similar drone sightings. This was the second major disruption within a week, causing heightened security concerns across Europe.
Key Developments
The drones spotted over both airports followed a similar pattern, according to Danish police. The drones were seen circling Aalborg airport with their lights on around 9:44pm local time. Similarly, the Copenhagen airport reported two or three large drones in the vicinity, causing the airspace to close at 8:30pm local time.
Despite hours of monitoring and assistance from the Danish armed forces, the alleged unmanned aircraft remained unidentified. Officials have not been able to determine the type of drones, who launched them, or their purpose. Danish police inspector Jesper Bojgaard Madsen stated, If we get the opportunity, we will take down the drones.
Implications and Reactions
The drone sightings have resulted in widespread disruption, affecting tens of thousands of passengers. The incidents are particularly concerning given Aalborg airport's dual-use as a military base, and its hosting of Denmark's F-16 and newly arrived F-35 jets.
Prime Minister Frederiksen has subsequently linked these incidents to the recent incursions of Russian aircraft and drones into European airspace, suggesting a potential escalation of geopolitical tensions. However, this assertion has not been conclusively proven, and Russia has denied any involvement.
Current Status
Authorities in Denmark are currently investigating the incidents in cooperation with their Norwegian counterparts, following reports of similar drone incursions forcing the closure of Oslo airport. The investigation aims to determine the connection, if any, between these incidents and to identify the source of the drones. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the origin of the drones remains a mystery.
The incidents highlight the potential vulnerability of critical infrastructures to drone incursions and underline the urgency for more robust countermeasures in protecting airspace security.