Copenhagen Airport Reopens After Drone Sightings Disruption
In a major disruption to air traffic, Denmark's principal airport, Copenhagen Airport, was temporarily shut down after sightings of at least two to three unidentified drones in the area. The runway and dock were closed, suspending take-offs and landings for nearly four hours, according to reports from BBC News and The Guardian. The incident, which began around 20:30 local time, led to the diversion of several flights, creating widespread disruption and delays.
Background and Context
The incident occurred amid escalating tensions in the region. ANSA reported statements from London and Warsaw warning Moscow of potential confrontations with their jets, with the European Union's Donald Tusk expressing readiness to shoot them down
. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying We will respond to threats
.
Key Developments and Details
The drone sightings led to a swift closure of the airport, with Al Jazeera English reporting that at least 15 flights were diverted, while Flightradar24 cited by La Repubblica and Deutsche Welle indicated that the number could be as high as 35. The unidentified drones were reported to be large, but the authorities are yet to confirm the details about them.
Reuters news agency, cited by Deutsche Welle, quoted a police spokesperson saying that authorities were actively working to identify the drones. The closure affected all flights, with Sky News World and The Hindu noting that flights were either suspended or diverted due to the incident.
Implications and Reactions
The disruption caused by the drone sightings had a significant impact on air traffic in the region. The Guardian highlighted that the Copenhagen Airport, the busiest in the Nordic region, along with airports in Norway, faced hours of disruption due to the incident. The airports in Norway were also closed temporarily, according to ANSA.
The response to the drone sightings indicates a high level of alertness and readiness on the part of airport authorities and local law enforcement. The swift action taken to close the airports and divert flights underscores the seriousness with which such incidents are treated.
Conclusion and Current Status
After nearly four hours of disruption, Copenhagen Airport reopened, as reported by ANSA and Deutsche Welle. While the incident caused significant delays and diversions, no further incidents have been reported since the reopening of the airport. The identification and source of the drones remain uncertain as the investigation continues. Authorities are yet to release further information on the incident.