Drone Sightings Shut Down Airports in Denmark and Norway

Airports in Denmark and Norway temporarily suspended operations on the night of September 23 after unknown drones were spotted near flight paths, creating major safety risks and forcing delays and cancellations. The incidents were reported by DR and VG.

Copenhagen Airport Closure

Copenhagen Airport was shut down around 8:30 p.m. local time on September 22 after law enforcement received reports of two or three large drones flying in the area. The incident triggered the cancellation of several flights and significant delays. Authorities stressed that the drones posed a serious danger to passengers and air traffic.

The drones eventually left the area on their own, with no active interception by security forces. After a four-hour suspension, the airport resumed operations. Deputy Chief of Police Jacob Hansen said an investigation was underway with the participation of Denmark’s Police Intelligence Service (PET) and the Armed Forces.

Oslo Airport affected

At the same time, Oslo Airport also reported suspected drone activity. Initially, authorities restricted operations to a single runway before deciding to close the airport entirely. Some flights were diverted, while others experienced delays.

The airport resumed full operations around 4 a.m. local time. Police later detained two individuals suspected of carrying out illegal drone flights. Authorities in Norway are currently investigating a potential connection between the incident and the situation in Denmark.

A broader pattern of provocations

Danish police have confirmed they are cooperating with their Norwegian counterparts to establish possible connections between the incidents.

The drone incursions follow a series of recent Russian provocations in European airspace. On September 10, nearly two dozen Russian drones violated Polish airspace, penetrating up to 300 km inside the country.

Less than two weeks later, on September 19, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland without permission, staying for 12 minutes before being intercepted by NATO.

Security analysts in both Copenhagen and Oslo warn that such incidents could represent tests of European air defense systems at a time when NATO’s eastern flank is under increased pressure from Russia.