Incident Overview
On the evening of September 22, 2025, airports in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Oslo, Norway, were temporarily closed due to sightings of unidentified drones in their respective airspaces. Copenhagen's main airport, one of the busiest in the Nordic region, was shut down for takeoffs and landings after two to three large drones were observed flying in the area. Flights were redirected to other airports, affecting thousands of passengers.
Copenhagen Airport Closure
The Copenhagen Airport closure occurred at approximately 8:30 pm local time, with all traffic suspended. Danish police reported that the drones were seen in the airport area, prompting immediate action to ensure safety. At least 15 flights were diverted to other airports, according to flight-tracking data.
Oslo Airport Closure
In Norway, Oslo Airport closed its airspace from midnight after a drone was spotted. All departing flights were canceled or delayed, while arrivals were redirected to nearby airports in Sweden until the airport reopened at around 3 am.
Official Response
The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, addressed the incident, stating that it was the most serious act against Danish critical infrastructure to date. She noted that authorities were still investigating who was behind the suspected hybrid attack but did not rule out Russian involvement.
Kremlin Response
The Kremlin has rejected suggestions of Russian involvement in the drone incidents. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesperson, called the accusations "groundless" and "baseless," stating that such claims no longer carry weight.
Investigation and Implications
Authorities in both Denmark and Norway are cooperating to determine if there was a link between the incidents. The origin of the drones remains unclear, but the events have raised concerns about airspace security and potential threats to critical infrastructure in the region.
Background
The incidents occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, where militaries are on high alert following reports of airspace breaches by drones. The investigation into the drone sightings is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the responsible party and assess the implications of the events.
Reopening of Airports
Both Copenhagen and Oslo airports resumed operations in the early hours of September 23, 2025, after safety protocols were deemed satisfactory. The incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to drone-related disruptions and the need for enhanced security measures.