Denmark Investigates Unauthorized Drone Flights Over Multiple Airports

Danish authorities are investigating unauthorized drone flights over several airports, including Aalborg and Copenhagen, which led to temporary closures and flight disruptions.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the incidents as a "hybrid attack" and suggested a "professional actor" was responsible for the "systematic" flights. He did not provide further details during a Thursday morning news conference.

Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated that the objective of the flyovers was to "sow fear and division." He added that Denmark is considering new measures to counteract such drone activities, including legislation that would permit infrastructure owners to shoot down unauthorized drones.

The drone activity began shortly before 10 p.m. on Wednesday at Aalborg Airport, which also serves as a military base, and continued until just before 1 a.m. on Thursday. Flights were halted for several hours during this period. Similar drone sightings were reported at airports in Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup, the latter being home to some of the Danish military's fighter jets.

Authorities observed that the drones were flying with their lights on but decided against attempting to shoot them down. Additional details about the drones and their operators were not immediately available.

These incidents follow a similar event earlier in the week at Copenhagen Airport, where drone activity led to a four-hour shutdown on Monday night. Police referred to that incident as the work of a "capable actor," raising concerns about potential foreign involvement. It remains unclear whether the Copenhagen flyover is connected to the subsequent incidents.

Authorities have assured the public that there was no immediate danger resulting from the drone flights. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible and to implement measures to prevent future occurrences.