Aalborg Airport in Denmark is facing disruptions due to drone sightings. CEO Niels Hemmingsen confirmed that airspace was closed after drones were reported flying in the area, marking the second incident this week.
Police are still trying to identify the operators behind these drones. Thorkild Fogde, Denmark’s National Police Commissioner, stated that investigations are ongoing. “We have confirmed the presence of drones,” he noted, adding that other airports in the region also reported sightings, although only those in Aalborg have been verified so far.
Fogde mentioned the complexities involved in taking down the drones. It’s challenging to approach them safely, especially near a busy airport. “You must consider the safety of flights and the public,” he said.
Aalborg is also home to military operations, but details on the equipment present are unclear. Meanwhile, flight operations have been impacted: three inbound flights were rerouted, and several others were canceled, according to FlightRadar24.
This isn’t an isolated event. Earlier this week, Copenhagen Airport was also shut down for four hours due to similar drone sightings. Fogde suggested these incidents could be connected, stating both involved unauthorized drones breaching airport security.
Interestingly, the drones spotted in Copenhagen were described as large and likely operated by skilled individuals, not just hobbyists. In Norway, a separate drone sighting forced Oslo Airport to close for about three hours as well.
These drone incidents have heightened concerns throughout Europe, especially following violations of airspace by Russian drones in Poland and Romania earlier this month. NATO allies have responded by boosting defenses in these regions.
As this situation develops, it’s a reminder of the increasing importance of airspace security. The rise of drone technology has created new challenges for airports worldwide. Keeping passengers safe while managing air traffic is becoming more complicated.
For more information on aviation safety and drone regulations, you can visit FAA.