By Harshit | 25 September 2025 | Denmark | 12:30 CEST
Danish authorities say a series of drone flyovers over multiple airports appear to be the work of a “professional actor,” asserting the devices were launched locally and ruling out evidence of Russian involvement. The incidents forced closures at Aalborg and Billund airports and disrupted flights across the country for the second time this week.
What happened
On the evening of 24 September, Aalborg Airport in northern Jutland was shut down after green-lit drones were spotted overhead. The sighting occurred around 21:44 local time and persisted for hours. The airport, which also hosts military operations, grounded both arrivals and departures during the disruption.
Meanwhile, police received reports of drone activity in other parts of Jutland, specifically near the smaller airports at Esbjerg, Sønderborg, and Skrydstrup. Around the same time, flights at Billund Airport were also halted temporarily before operations resumed after about an hour.
This marks the second such incident this week. On Monday night, Copenhagen Airport was closed for nearly four hours following sightings of two to three large, unidentified drones. That earlier closure resulted in dozens of flight diversions.
Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen labeled the latest wave a “hybrid attack” and spoke of a “systematic operation” unfolding over multiple locations. At a press conference, he affirmed the drones had been launched locally and said there was no evidence linking Russia to the strikes.
The minister also described the actor behind the operation as “professional,” citing the coordination across several airports in close succession.
Police are leading investigations into who launched the drones, while military and intelligence agencies are providing support.
Quotes from officials & observers
“There can be no doubt that everything points to this being the work of a professional actor when we are talking about such a systematic operation in so many locations at virtually the same time.” — Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard added that the flyovers appear intended to sow fear and division, and that Denmark will pursue legislative changes to allow infrastructure owners to neutralize drones if deemed threats.
From earlier in the week, Copenhagen police described the Monday-night drone flights as those of a “capable actor,” saying the pilot had both the tools and skills to maneuver the devices deliberately.
An eyewitness near Aalborg, Morten Skov, said he saw green blinking lights “standing still over” the airport before they drifted away westward.
Why this matters
These recurring drone incursions highlight a growing vulnerability in critical infrastructure and airspace security. Airports, especially during takeoff and landing phases, are highly sensitive zones. A collision with a drone could cause catastrophic damage. Authorities often opt to halt flights to eliminate such risks, but doing so causes cascading delays, diversions, and passenger chaos.
Moreover, the use of the term “hybrid attack” signals an evolving strategy of combining military-style intrusion with civilian-facing disruption. By targeting civilian infrastructure (airports), the actors seek to pressure both public perception and national security systems without resorting to full-scale armed conflict.
This week’s incidents in Denmark echo similar patterns of drone or aerial violations across Europe—such as in Poland, Estonia, and Romania—intensifying regional concerns over sovereignty, deterrence, and response coordination among NATO and EU allies.
Impact & implications for travelers
Flights in and out of affected Danish airports have been disrupted, with some diverted mid-flight, leading to delays and logistical troubles for passengers.
Passenger safety remains the top priority; authorities are risk-averse to using force in crowded airspace, hence their caution in engaging drones directly near airports.
For travelers, the situation underscores the need for flexibility: check with airlines, expect delays or rerouting, and monitor alerts from civil aviation agencies.
What’s next
Danish officials are pushing forward with investigations to identify drone operators, their launch points, and possible motives. New legislative proposals are expected to allow more aggressive countermeasures—including giving infrastructure operators the authority to neutralize threatening drones.
Denmark has also reached out to NATO. The defense minister indicated that activating Article 4 consultations is under consideration—a move that would formally engage alliance support without invoking collective military action.
At the European level, emergency meetings are planned to coordinate responses, explore “drone wall” defenses, and strengthen airspace surveillance. Further drone incidents or escalation would likely prompt deeper integration of national and alliance counter-drone capabilities.
We will continue monitoring developments and share updates as investigations proceed.
