Edith Hejberg
Copenhagen Airport is also a major hub for southern Sweden, amplifying the impact across the region. The incident is under active investigation, with no suspects identified so far. Authorities believe the drones were operated by a highly capable actor.
Denmark’s Prime Minister has described a drone incursion at Copenhagen Airport as the “most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date.”
Several large drones were spotted near the airport on Monday night, causing widespread disruption and forcing a temporary shutdown.
Mette Frederiksen: ‘A Capable Actor Is Behind This’
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that the drones entered airport airspace from multiple directions, with their lights turning on and off throughout the night.
She stressed the seriousness of the threat and said Denmark’s intelligence services are working closely with international partners.
“The intent was clearly to disrupt and create unrest,” she stated. Frederiksen warned that the act may be part of a broader pattern of hybrid threats in Europe. Though no culprit has been confirmed, she said she “cannot deny” the possibility of Russian involvement.
Moscow Denies Any Role in the Incident
Russia quickly rejected any suggestion it was behind the incursion.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed Frederiksen’s comments as “unfounded accusations.”
Tensions have been rising between Russia and several Nordic countries over recent airspace and cyber incidents. The drone attack comes amid a series of unexplained incursions across European borders. Danish officials say they are keeping all possibilities on the table.
Oslo Airport Also Targeted by Drone Activity
Norway’s main airport, Oslo Gardermoen, was forced to shut down for three hours on the same night due to drone sightings.
The simultaneous disruptions in Denmark and Norway stranded tens of thousands of passengers. Authorities in both countries are investigating whether the two incidents are connected.
The Norwegian Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, pointed to recent airspace violations by Russia as part of a concerning pattern.
He warned that even if accidental, such intrusions are “not acceptable.”
Suspected Pattern of Russian Airspace Intrusions
Norwegian officials confirmed three recent incidents involving Russian military aircraft entering their airspace. These took place between April and August and involved SU-24 and SU-33 fighter jets as well as a Turbolet aircraft.
Two incidents happened near Vardø, close to Russia’s border, and one in remote East Finnmark. Each violation lasted one to four minutes but broke a decade-long stretch without such occurrences. Gahr Støre said these incidents, while “smaller in scope,” must be taken seriously.
Hybrid Threats Mount Across Europe
Frederiksen highlighted similar drone and cyber activities seen in Poland, Romania, and Estonia. Over the weekend, several European airports were hit by cyberattacks affecting check-in and boarding systems.
She said these events must be viewed “in the context of everything else that is happening in Europe.”
The Danish leader believes these acts are tests, to see how far such disruptions can go. European security agencies are working together to track and prevent further hybrid threats.
Airport Chaos: Flights Diverted, Thousands Affected
Copenhagen Airport was forced to divert 31 flights and cancel or delay another 100.
The disruption affected approximately 20,000 passengers.
Norway also faced major delays, although the Oslo closure lasted three hours.
Airports are now under increased surveillance as investigations continue.
Authorities believe the drones’ flight paths show careful coordination and planning.
Danish Police: ‘This Was a Capable Operator’
Danish police believe the drones were flown by a skilled operator with intent to show off technical capabilities. “This is an actor who has the will and the tools to show off in this way,” said Chief Superintendent Jens Jespersen.
Investigators are exploring whether the drones may have launched from ships in the Baltic Sea. Copenhagen is close to busy international shipping lanes used by Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. No official link has yet been made between the ships and the incident.
Europe Braces for More Drone Disruptions
European leaders responded swiftly, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling the incident part of “ongoing challenges at our borders.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said it’s too early to link the events directly to Russia.
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen warned that the country “must be better equipped against drones.” Copenhagen police are leading an “intensive investigation” in coordination with national and international agencies.
With hybrid threats on the rise, Europe is ramping up defences against invisible intrusions from above.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
