Overnight, drone sightings brought operations at Copenhagen and Oslo’s primary airports to a standstill for several hours, leading to extensive flight delays and cancellations that were projected to continue throughout Tuesday.
The origin and operators of these drones remain a mystery, as does any potential connection between the incidents in Oslo and Copenhagen. However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly condemned the event, describing it as “the most serious attack so far” on Denmark’s crucial infrastructure, emphasizing that no possibilities regarding responsibility were being dismissed.
This incident comes at a time of heightened tension across several European nations, particularly those bordering Ukraine. Recent weeks have seen multiple incursions by Russian aircraft into the airspace of Poland, Estonia, and Romania, prompting increased vigilance.
Copenhagen police, as quoted by Ms. Frederiksen, indicated the involvement of a “capable actor.” She further elaborated that this incident clearly aligns with a pattern of recent drone attacks, airspace violations, and cyberattacks targeting airports across Europe.
Speaking in Brussels on Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed discussions with Danish officials but stated it was premature to identify those responsible for the drone incidents.
Earlier, Mr. Rutte chaired a critical meeting of NATO’s primary decision-making body, where the discussion focused on a recent incursion by Russian fighter jets into Estonian airspace. This incident, which triggered Article 4 of NATO’s treaty – a mechanism rarely invoked for formal discussions on security threats – marked the second such instance in two weeks. Poland had previously invoked Article 4 after over 20 Russian battle drones entered its airspace on September 9th and 10th.
Prime Minister Fredriksen, in an interview with Denmark’s state broadcaster DR, openly stated that she could not “rule out in any way that it is Russia” behind the attacks.
Copenhagen Airport was the first to report drone sightings on Monday night, with several large drones reportedly hovering over the airport for four hours. Jens Jespersen, the chief superintendent of Danish police, confirmed that authorities halted all takeoffs and landings due to the drone presence.
An airport spokeswoman confirmed that incoming flights were redirected to alternative airports while police conducted their investigation.
Hours later, Oslo Airport experienced a similar shutdown following related sightings, necessitating the diversion of flights across Norway. According to Gisle Sveen, operations manager for the Norwegian East Police District, airport staff had twice observed lights in the sky consistent with drones.
Both airports resumed operations early on Tuesday, though Copenhagen Airport warned via social media that further delays and cancellations were anticipated throughout the day.
Eastern and Northern European nations have remained on high alert due to Russia’s escalating deployment of drones in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
This month alone has seen several related incidents: NATO fighter jets were scrambled to intercept Russian drones in Polish airspace; a Russian drone also reportedly entered Romanian airspace; and last week, three Russian fighter jets breached Estonian airspace, leading to NATO’s intervention with warplanes.
Polish authorities characterized these airspace intrusions as a deliberate attempt by Russia to assess NATO’s preparedness.
While Russia denied any airspace violation over Estonia, its stance on the drone incursions has been inconsistent. Belarus, a key ally, speculated that the drones might have accidentally strayed, yet Russia’s foreign ministry disavowed ownership of drones with such extended range.
Just last week, Denmark committed to strengthening its military, including the acquisition of long-range weaponry. This move was a direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the perceived ongoing threat to Europe. At the time, Ms. Frederiksen unequivocally stated, “There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Denmark and Europe for many years to come.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri S. Peskov rejected any Russian involvement in the Copenhagen Airport drone incident. He told reporters on Tuesday that “presenting baseless accusations every time, frankly, leads to a point where such statements are no longer taken seriously.”
These drone sightings exacerbated an already turbulent week for European air travel, following severe operational disruptions at major airports like Berlin, Dublin, Brussels, and London’s Heathrow, which were caused by a cyberattack.
The escalating frequency of drone presence in and around airports has emerged as a significant and growing threat in recent years.
Previous incidents highlight this vulnerability: in December 2018, Gatwick Airport near London faced hundreds of flight disruptions due to drones over its runway. The following month, all flights heading to Newark Liberty International Airport were halted after pilots sighted a nearby drone.