LONDON: Denmark’s Aalborg airport, which handles both civilian and military flights, was closed late Wednesday after multiple drones were spotted in its airspace—just two days after similar disruptions at Copenhagen airport.
Drones flying with lights on Northern Jutland police said “more than one drone” was detected around 9:44 pm local time, flying with lights visible. Eurocontrol, Europe’s air traffic authority, announced a “zero rate” for arrivals and departures until 0400 GMT Thursday. Three flights were diverted.
Military base affected The closure also hit Denmark’s armed forces, as Aalborg doubles as a military base. The Danish military confirmed it was supporting police but gave no further details. Later, police in Southern Jutland reported drones near Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup—home to Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 fighter squadrons.
Link to earlier incidents The sightings mirror Monday’s disruption at Copenhagen airport, when drones halted flights for four hours. The same day, Norway closed Oslo airport for three hours after a drone alert. Danish national police commissioner Thorkild Fogde noted a surge in drone reports this week, saying the Aalborg case appeared “of interest to police or the military.”
Investigation underway Authorities said it was too early to identify the drones’ purpose or operator. Investigators are working with Denmark’s intelligence service, armed forces, and international partners. Police added that drones would be “taken down if possible” but stressed there was no danger to passengers or local residents.
Wider European concerns Denmark previously called the Copenhagen incident “the most serious attack yet” on its critical infrastructure and suggested links to suspected Russian drone activity seen elsewhere in Europe. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described the incursions as part of a “pattern of persistent contestation at our borders.”
Russia’s ambassador to Denmark rejected any allegations of involvement as “groundless,” while Norway said it was cooperating with Denmark but had found no direct connection between the two countries’ incidents.
