Authorities in Denmark shut down airspace over Copenhagen Airport on Monday night after two to three large unidentified drones flew over Scandinavia’s busiest hub. The drones, operated by what police described as a “capable actor,” forced a suspension of flights for several hours, causing widespread delays and cancellations.
Senior police inspector Jes Jespersen told reporters Tuesday that officials did not attempt to shoot down the drones due to the risks posed to passengers, aircraft, and nearby fuel depots. Instead, authorities monitored the drones as they maneuvered in complex flight patterns, at times switching their lights on and off, before they eventually disappeared.
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Intentions Remain Unclear
Police believe the pilot’s goal may have been to demonstrate skill and practice techniques rather than carry out an attack. “It all indicates that you are not out to attack anyone, but you are out to show off and maybe to practice,” Jespersen said.
Still, he warned that investigators could not rule out the possibility of the drones being linked to Russian hybrid warfare activities, which have heightened security concerns across northern Europe.
The Kremlin dismissed the speculation. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, “Every time we hear unfounded accusations,” calling on Denmark to avoid what he described as repeated, baseless claims.
Impact on Flights
Flights at Copenhagen Airport resumed early Tuesday, though travelers faced continuing delays and cancellations. The airport issued a notice advising passengers to check with their airlines for updated information.
The incident drew swift reaction from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who described the drone incursion as “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date.”
Possible Links to Oslo Drone Sighting
The same evening, a separate drone incident occurred at Oslo Airport in Norway, temporarily restricting air traffic to a single runway, according to public broadcaster NRK. While normal operations later resumed, Norwegian officials have yet to identify the source of the drone. Danish police said no immediate evidence links the two cases but noted investigators will examine potential connections.
Rising Security Concerns in Northern Europe
The Copenhagen event comes amid increasing reports of Russian sabotage and drone incursions into NATO airspace in recent weeks. Analysts warn that northern Europe has become a focal point for unconventional security threats, ranging from cyberattacks to aerial disruptions.
The latest disruption also recalls previous high-profile airport shutdowns. In 2018, London’s Gatwick Airport saw its operations paralyzed for three days by drone sightings, stranding over 140,000 passengers during the Christmas season. A smaller incident at Gatwick in 2023 closed its runway for nearly an hour.
