Aalborg airport in northern Denmark has been closed due to unauthorized drones in its airspace, according to local authorities. Three other smaller airports in the southern region – Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup – also reported drone activity but remained open.
The incident follows the closure of Copenhagen airport earlier in the week due to a drone incursion, described by the Danish prime minister as “the most severe attack on Danish infrastructure so far.” Police stated that the drones were visible from the ground but could not discount the possibility of it being a prank. They were investigating who was controlling the drones and their motives.
At least three flights have been diverted from Aalborg airport, with officials stating that the Danish Armed Forces were affected as the airport is also a military base. North Jutland Police are closely monitoring the situation but cannot comment on the number of drones involved. They added that they cannot yet comment on the purpose of the drones or who is behind the incident. Chief inspector Jesper Bøjgaard Madsen stated, “If we get the opportunity, we will take down the drones.”
Police believe there is no danger to passengers or residents and have requested the public to keep their distance from the area. Addressing the drone reports in Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup, police stated they are taking the situation seriously but cannot comment on a motive. None of these airports were closed, and there was no danger to the public.
Of the three flights affected at Aalborg, two were sent back to Copenhagen, and another back to the town of Karup. European air traffic control stated that arrivals and departures at the airport would be stopped until 06:00 local time on Thursday.
Last week, Kastrup airport in Copenhagen was also forced to shut for several hours following the sighting of a number of drones. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated, “It says something about the times we live in and what we as a society must be prepared to deal with.” Russian involvement could not be ruled out, although Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the allegations “unfounded.”
Europe has been on high alert after several Nato member states reported Russian incursions in their airspace. Estonia and Poland requested consultations with other Nato members after Russia was accused of violating their airspace in separate incidents. Romania also stated that Russian drones had breached its airspace. Russia denied violating Estonia’s airspace and insisted that the Polish incursion was not deliberate. They did not comment on the Romania incident.
After meeting on Tuesday, Nato issued a statement condemning Russia’s actions and warned that they would use “all necessary military and non-military tools” to defend themselves. “Russia bears full responsibility for these actions, which are escalatory, risk miscalculation, and endanger lives. They must stop,” it stated. Nato’s secretary-general Mark Rutte remarked, “We are a defensive alliance, yes, but we are not naive, so we see what is happening.”
After his speech to the UN, Donald Trump suggested that Nato nations should shoot down Russian planes breaching their airspace.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7401vk4lgzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
