COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s Aalborg Airport has been shut down due to drone activity in its airspace, increasing concern about safety in the region. This comes just two days after a similar incident caused major disruptions at Copenhagen Airport, the largest in the Nordic region.
Details of the Aalborg Incident
According to local police, the first sightings of drones occurred around 21:44 on Wednesday evening (03:44, Singapore time), and they continued to fly in the area until at least midnight. Authorities have confirmed that more than one drone has been spotted, but they have yet to determine the drone types or their intended purpose.
- Drones were flying with lights on.
- Initial reports indicated no immediate danger to passengers or residents.
- Three flights were diverted to alternative airports.
Impact on Aviation
This drone activity has had significant repercussions. Eurocontrol, which manages air traffic across Europe, announced that all flights at Aalborg Airport would be grounded until 04:00 GMT on Thursday. Traffic has also been impacted following similar incidents, where drone sightings prompted the closure of Copenhagen Airport, forcing the diversion of around 50 flights and leading to travel delays.
Police and Military Response
Danish armed forces use Aalborg Airport as a military base, adding a layer of urgency to the response. Northern Jutland police stated that investigations are ongoing, with cooperation between Norway and Denmark still in the early stages. Norwegian authorities had to close Oslo Airport for three hours on Monday due to a similar sighting, although no connections have been made between the two incidents yet.
Recent Cyberattacks and Aviation Disruptions
Adding to the turmoil, the previous week saw hackers disrupt operations at major airports, including Heathrow, Berlin, and Brussels, by targeting key systems at Collins Aerospace. This context raises concerns about the security and integrity of European air travel, which has become increasingly vulnerable.
As investigations continue into both the drone sightings and the cyberattacks, all eyes will be on authorities to ensure safety and security in the skies.