Copenhagen – The Danish Police are currently investigating a surge in drone activity that has seen over 100 reports of drones and drone-like objects in the past 24 hours. The heightened alert follows a series of incidents involving unauthorized drone flights at key airports in Copenhagen and Oslo, which led to temporary airspace shutdowns.
On Monday evening, both Copenhagen and Oslo airports were forced to halt all air traffic after unidentified drones were spotted in the vicinity. These disruptions sparked concerns over air travel safety, prompting an immediate response from the authorities. Copenhagen police have acknowledged the public’s heightened sense of insecurity but assured citizens that investigations are underway. The police emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue and ensuring the safety of air traffic.
“We understand the anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to reassure the public that both the police and authorities are actively investigating the matter,” stated Poul Kjeldsen, a police inspector from Copenhagen. He continued, “We have already received numerous recordings from citizens who witnessed the incidents on Monday, and these will play a key role in our investigation.”
As part of their ongoing efforts, Copenhagen police are interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and reviewing video footage submitted by the public. Meanwhile, the Danish Air Transport Wing, which operates in Aalborg, confirmed that unauthorized drone activity had led to a temporary closure of airspace over Aalborg. The Air Transport Wing, which oversees transport aircraft for the Danish Air Force, is working closely with local police to ensure that air traffic remains safe and secure.
In a statement on Facebook, the Air Transport Wing confirmed, “The airspace over Aalborg Air Station is currently closed due to an unauthorized drone flight. We are working with the police to manage the situation and ensure the continued safe operation of air traffic.”
The flight tracking service Flightradar24 indicated that several flights bound for Aalborg had been diverted due to the closure of the airspace. Aalborg Airport has confirmed the situation, with airport spokesperson Martin Svendsen stating, “It is correct that the airspace is closed because drones have been observed. Police are currently on the scene to manage the situation.”
Further complicating the issue, a drone was reported to have flown into the restricted airspace at Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport, prompting a temporary closure of the airport on Tuesday night. Police seized the drone, and investigations are ongoing. The drone operator, a 50-year-old man, is reportedly under investigation.
Gisle Sveen, a spokesperson for the Norwegian police, confirmed the incident to Norwegian newspaper Romerikes Blad, stating that the case was being treated seriously and that the drone had been confiscated. Despite sightings of additional drones, the exact details of the threat remain unclear, but authorities are working swiftly to mitigate any potential danger.
This series of drone-related incidents has highlighted growing concerns regarding the safety and security of airports and air traffic in the Nordic region. As investigations continue in both Denmark and Norway, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drone activity to the police.
With drone technology advancing rapidly, the issue of unauthorized drone flights in airspace is expected to become an increasing challenge for aviation authorities across the globe.