Denmark shutters airports amid drone incursions; Russia denies involvement
Denmark briefly shut down multiple airports overnight after drones were spotted near runways, disrupting operations and raising security alarms across Europe. Flights at Aalborg Airport were halted for several hours, while Billund — Denmark’s second-busiest airport — paused traffic for about an hour. Police also reported drone sightings at several smaller airports, including Esbjerg, Sønderborg and Skrydstrup.
According to The New York Times, this was the second disruption in days, following Copenhagen Airport’s suspension of operations earlier in the week. At least three flights were diverted from Aalborg during the latest incident. Police said they are working with Denmark’s intelligence service and armed forces to identify the operators.
Who is suspected of being behind the drones?
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen called the incidents a “systematic operation” by a “professional actor,” saying the drones appeared to be launched locally. He warned that while no immediate threat was detected, the incursions highlight Denmark’s vulnerability to hybrid attacks and sabotage.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the incursions aimed “to create fear, division and make us feel afraid.”
The Russian Embassy in Copenhagen rejected speculation of involvement as “absurd” and described the episodes as “staged provocations.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also dismissed earlier allegations about Russian involvement in drone activity over Copenhagen.
Wider European security concerns
The incidents come amid a string of airspace violations across NATO territory. Russian aircraft entered Poland, Estonia and Romania’s airspace this month, prompting Warsaw and Tallinn to request NATO consultations under Article 4. Suspicious drones have also been reported recently over Germany and Sweden.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is prepared to use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend its members, adding: “We are a defensive alliance, yes, but we are not naive.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen earlier described the Copenhagen incident as “the most serious attack so far” on the country’s infrastructure. Poulsen said the government is considering whether to invoke NATO’s Article 4 in response to the repeated drone disruptions.
What happens next?
Danish authorities said they had the ability to shoot down drones but refrained due to safety concerns for residents. Chief Inspector Jesper Bøjgaard Madsen said, “If we get the opportunity, we will take down the drones.”
Poulsen added that the issue would be raised at a European Union meeting on Friday, where defense ministers are expected to discuss strengthening counter-drone measures.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
