Drone sightings disrupt flights at Copenhagen, Oslo airports

Flights at Copenhagen Airport were grounded for nearly four hours overnight after drones were spotted in the vicinity of Denmark’s busiest air hub, affecting around 20,000 passengers.

Danish police said Tuesday morning they could not confirm the number or type of drones sighted but described the incident as the work of a “capable operator” who appeared to be “showing off.”

Armed forces were placed on alert in response to the sightings, though police emphasized there was no indication of malicious intent.

Operations at Copenhagen Airport resumed at 00:30 local time (23:30 GMT), ending a disruption that rippled through airline schedules across Europe. Norway’s Oslo Airport also temporarily shut its airspace for about four hours before reopening.

“The safety of passengers and staff is our top priority,” authorities said, while declining to provide details on the new security measures now under consideration.

“A number of steps will be implemented as part of the ongoing investigation.”

Passengers described confusion and frustration as flights were diverted or canceled. Airlines scrambled to rebook affected travelers, with some forced to spend the night in terminals.

The incident highlights growing concerns across Europe about the vulnerability of airports to drone incursions.

Copenhagen AirportSimilar disruptions in recent years have prompted calls for stricter regulation and the deployment of counter-drone technology around major transport hubs.