European airports have seen a dramatic surge in drone-related disruptions over the past year, with incidents quadrupling between January 2024 and November 2025. A review of publicly available reports by Euronews’ fact-checking unit, The Cube, reveals a growing trend of airport closures and flight cancellations tied to unauthorized drone activity across the continent. The increase raises serious questions about aviation security and potential geopolitical motivations.
While sporadic incidents occurred in 2024 and early 2025, a significant spike was observed starting in September 2025, reaching peak levels the following month. Belgium was particularly affected, experiencing ten disruptions at its airports within an eight-day period between November 2 and 9, effectively bringing Brussels Airport to a standstill. Germany also saw a substantial increase, with 192 drone-related disturbances reported in 2025, up from 141 the previous year.
A More Frequent and Disruptive Problem: Drone Incidents at Airports
Drones near airports are not a novel issue, however, the nature of these incidents has shifted. Previously, sightings were often brief and caused minimal disruption. Now, sightings and confirmed flights of drones are leading to lengthy airport closures and significant air traffic delays. For example, in Denmark, reports of illegal drone flights near airports increased from 92 in 2024 to 107 in 2025.
The impact of these incidents has escalated dramatically. Copenhagen Airport experienced a four-hour flight suspension in September 2025 due to drone sightings, resulting in at least 109 cancellations and 51 flight redirections. Simultaneously, Oslo Airport in Norway faced disruption, impacting over 20,000 passengers—the largest drone-related airport disruption of 2025 to date. Similar scenarios unfolded at several other Danish airports, including Aalborg, Sønderborg, Esbjerg and Skrydstrup.
This pattern is mirrored across Europe. Germany, Sweden, and Belgium all reported more frequent and extended airport closures in 2025 compared to the sporadic, minor interruptions seen in 2024.
Possible Motivations and Concerns
Experts attribute the increase in drone activity to the rising availability of affordable, consumer-grade drones coupled with advancements in drone technology, partly accelerated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, determining the causes and identifying the perpetrators behind these disruptions proves challenging, with many investigations still ongoing.
Following a major incident in Poland in September, where approximately 23 drones entered Polish airspace and forced the closure of four airports, authorities directly blamed Russia. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested the drones were deliberately launched as a provocation, while investigations later revealed some carried explosive charges.
Elsewhere, links remain less clear. A police investigation into the Oslo Airport incident yielded inconclusive results, unable to confirm or deny the presence of drones. Similar investigations in Germany, following multiple sightings at Munich and Berlin airports, failed to identify those responsible.
Despite these inconclusive findings, several European leaders have voiced suspicions about Russian involvement. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen linked the Copenhagen airport disruption to the incursion over Poland and another incident over Romanian airspace. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested Russia may be behind many of the sightings, characterizing them as “espionage attempts” aimed at unsettling the population. Belgium’s Defence Minister Theo Francken echoed these concerns, noting the pattern mirrored “hybrid techniques” observed in other countries.
Russia has consistently denied any involvement in the disruptions.
Technological Challenges and Future Outlook
Authorities are struggling to identify and intercept the drones responsible for these disruptions. Dr. David Bacci of the Oxford Thermofluids Institute explains that many drones are inherently difficult to detect with standard radar technology due to their small size and light weight. New surveillance technologies, like high-resolution thermal imaging and acoustic sensors, are being tested but are not yet fully deployed.
Successfully tracing drone operators also presents a significant challenge, as they can operate remotely from considerable distances. Additionally, the source of the drones themselves remains difficult to trace definitively. Experts suggest some incidents may be the work of individuals or groups inspired by or supported by external actors, but solid proof remains elusive.
As Europe continues to grapple with this evolving threat, enhanced surveillance capabilities, improved counter-drone technology, and international cooperation will be critical to protecting airspaces and ensuring the safety of air travel. The situation warrants continued monitoring to understand the motivations behind these incidents and develop effective countermeasures.
For further information on airport security measures and current travel advisories, please consult the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website.
