Drone Sightings Temporarily Halt Air Traffic at Eindhoven Airport

Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands was suspended for several hours on Saturday evening following multiple drone sightings in the vicinity.

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced the disruption, stating that all types of air traffic—both civilian and military—were halted for security reasons. Operations resumed around 11 p.m. local time, two hours after the initial suspension.

The previous evening, the Dutch military engaged unidentified drones over Volkel Air Base, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Eindhoven. Ground-based weapons were used in an attempt to neutralize the drones, but no wreckage was recovered.

These incidents are part of a series of recent drone-related disruptions across Europe. In September, more than 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, and three Russian military jets violated Estonia's airspace for 12 minutes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has referred to such incursions as "hybrid warfare."

The Dutch Ministry of Defence has not provided details about the origin of the drones involved in the recent incidents. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source and intent behind these unauthorized flights.