Air travel across Scandinavia was thrown into disarray this week as a spate of mysterious drone sightings forced the temporary suspension of operations at major airports in Norway and Denmark.
The disruptions began on Monday, causing significant delays and cancellations for thousands of passengers. Oslo Gardermoen, Norway's primary international hub, was among the worst affected, with all flight activity halted for a period as authorities scrambled to assess the threat.
Security Protocols Triggered
Aviation officials confirmed that standard security protocols were immediately enacted upon the detection of unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in controlled airspace. "Safety is our absolute priority," stated a spokesperson for Avinor, the Norwegian airport operator. "When a drone is sighted near an airport, we have no choice but to suspend operations until the airspace is confirmed clear."
Similar scenes unfolded in Denmark, where Copenhagen Airport, a key European transit point, also experienced disruptions. While the full scale of the impact is still being assessed, the incident highlights the growing vulnerability of critical infrastructure to drone incursions.
Passenger Frustration Mounts
Travel halls quickly filled with frustrated passengers facing indefinite waits. Many took to social media to express their annoyance, sharing images of crowded departure lounges and delayed flight information boards. Airlines have been advising travellers to check their flight status directly before heading to the airport.
Authorities in both countries have launched investigations to identify the operators of the drones. The incidents raise serious questions about the enforcement of no-fly zones around airports and the potential for more severe disruptions in the future.
