Drone Incidents Disrupt Scandinavian Air Travel
For the second time this week, Denmark has been forced to close a major airport due to unauthorized drone activity. Aalborg Airport was shut down for over three hours after multiple drones were spotted flying in restricted airspace, causing significant disruption to air traffic.
The incident affected three incoming flights, including a KLM flight from Amsterdam that had to be diverted to Billund Airport. Passengers were subsequently transported to Aalborg by bus. "As long as drones are flying near the airport, no aircraft will take off," stated Danish authorities, emphasizing the serious safety concerns.
Pattern of Escalating Incidents
This marks the second major drone-related airport closure in Denmark within days. On Monday, Copenhagen Airport was shut down for several hours following similar drone sightings. Hours later, Oslo Airport in Norway also faced closure due to drone activity.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the incidents as "the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date" and characterized them as deliberate attacks. The European Commission has indicated it suspects Russian involvement in these coordinated disruptions.
NATO Response and Regional Tensions
The drone incidents occur against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Russia and NATO countries. Earlier this month, NATO aircraft shot down several Russian drones over Poland, while Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace last week.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte condemned what he called "a pattern of increasingly irresponsible behavior" by Russia. "These attacks represent either deliberate provocation or outright incompetence," Rutte stated. "NATO will expand its capabilities and strengthen its defense, including with effective air defense systems."
The alliance has warned of the risks of escalation and miscalculation, emphasizing that such behavior endangers lives and must cease immediately. According to Aalborg Airport records, this is the most significant security incident at the facility since its establishment in 1938.