Copenhagen: Denmark has imposed a nationwide ban on all civilian drone flights until October 3, citing security concerns ahead of this week’s European Union summit in Copenhagen.
Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said that the step was necessary to simplify security work for police and prevent foreign drones from creating uncertainty and disruption. Violators face fines or up to two years in prison under the new restrictions.
The move follows a string of unexplained drone sightings over Danish military sites, including incidents reported as recently as Saturday. Since September 22, drones have disrupted operations at Copenhagen and Oslo airports, while Aalborg and Billund airports were also forced to suspend flights due to suspected incursions.
Danish investigators have yet to identify those responsible, but Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the pattern as a hybrid attack part of a systematic operation. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not ruled out possible Russian involvement, though Moscow has firmly rejected any link.
Drone activity is not confined to Denmark. Over the weekend, Norway’s Avinor reported drone sightings above Brønnøysund Airport, while separate investigations are underway into suspected drone flights near Norway’s largest military base.
In Romania, flights were diverted from Bucharest airport after pilots reported drones in the area, prompting renewed scrutiny of new legislation allowing its air force to shoot down unidentified aircraft.
Across NATO’s eastern flank, tensions remain high. Estonia and Poland last week triggered consultations with allies after reporting multiple Russian incursions, around 20 drones crossing into Polish territory, and MiG-31 fighter jets violating Estonian airspace.
In response to the spate of incidents, defence ministers from 10 EU countries have pledged to establish a drone wall along their borders, while NATO has announced enhanced vigilance across the Baltic region.
With Denmark currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, authorities say the temporary drone ban is an essential precaution. “We are on significantly increased alert to take care of Danes and our guests,” the transport ministry said in a statement.
