Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has described a recent drone incident at Copenhagen Airport as the most serious attack on the nation's critical infrastructure. On Monday, September 22, 2025, multiple drones disrupted airport operations, leading to flight diversions and cancellations. Authorities are investigating the event, which aligns with a broader pattern of airspace violations and cyber incidents across Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated the drone incident was the "most serious attack" on critical infrastructure.
- Copenhagen Airport halted operations on Monday evening due to drone activity.
- Approximately 35 flights were diverted from Copenhagen Airport.
- Police believe a "capable operator" was responsible for the drone activity.
- A similar drone incident was reported at Oslo Airport in Norway on the same evening.
Copenhagen Airport Operations Disrupted
Copenhagen Airport experienced significant disruption on Monday, September 22, 2025, after multiple large drones were spotted near its airspace. Danish police confirmed the airport was closed for take-offs and landings. The official X account for Copenhagen Airport announced the shutdown due to "activity" and advised passengers of potential delays.
The airport resumed operations a few hours later, but the incident caused substantial delays and numerous flight cancellations. According to FlightRadar, a flight tracking service, around 35 flights scheduled for Copenhagen Airport were diverted to other locations. Air traffic was halted at 8:26 p.m. local time (1826 UTC).
Incident Snapshot
- Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
- Location: Copenhagen Airport, Denmark
- Cause: Multiple large drones spotted in restricted airspace
- Impact: Airport closure for several hours, 35 flight diversions
Prime Minister Labels Incident as an Attack
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen addressed the incident on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, categorizing it as an attack. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "This was the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date." Her remarks, reported by the Ritzau news agency, highlighted the changing security landscape.
"This says something about the times we live in and what we as a society must be prepared for," Frederiksen said. "Of course, we are not ruling out any possibility as to who is behind it."
Frederiksen also noted that the drone activity at Copenhagen Airport fits into a pattern of recent events across Europe. She mentioned "other drone attacks, airspace violations and hacking attacks on European airports." This suggests a broader concern about regional security and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Police Investigate "Capable Operator"
Danish police are actively investigating the origin and perpetrators of the drone activity. Chief Superintendent Jens Jespersen provided an update to reporters on Tuesday. He indicated that the incident was not a random occurrence.
"We have concluded that this was what we would call a capable operator," Jespersen stated. "It's an actor who has the capabilities, the will and the tools to show off in this way."
Jespersen described how the drones approached from different directions. They reportedly turned their lights on and off, exhibiting controlled movements, before disappearing after several hours. This behavior suggests a deliberate and coordinated effort rather than accidental drone presence.
Broader European Concerns
The incident in Copenhagen is not isolated. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on the situation, linking it to wider security challenges. She described the drones in the Danish capital as part of a "pattern of persistent contestation at our borders."
Von der Leyen further stressed the vulnerability of essential services. "Our critical infrastructure is at risk," she wrote on X, while also acknowledging that all facts were still being gathered.
Parallel Incident in Norway
On the same evening as the Copenhagen event, a similar drone incident was reported at Oslo Airport in Norway. Norwegian broadcaster NRK confirmed that all air traffic at Oslo Airport was forced to use a single runway due to the presence of drones. This parallel event raises questions about coordinated efforts.
Security concerns in northern Europe have grown recently. There have been reports of increased Russian sabotage activities. Additionally, multiple drones and fighter jets have reportedly entered NATO airspace in recent weeks. These incidents contribute to a heightened sense of alert across the region.
Impact on Air Travel and Security
The disruption at Copenhagen Airport highlights vulnerabilities in air traffic control systems. It also shows the potential for significant impact on daily travel for thousands of passengers. Ensuring airport security against unauthorized drone activity has become a critical challenge for governments and aviation authorities.
Governments are likely to review and strengthen protocols for detecting and neutralizing drones in sensitive areas. The use of advanced surveillance technology and rapid response teams may become more common. International cooperation among security agencies will also be essential to address these evolving threats.
- Security Measures: Increased drone detection systems and counter-drone technologies are expected.
- International Cooperation: Enhanced intelligence sharing among European nations is crucial.
- Public Awareness: Passengers are advised to stay informed about airport security updates and potential travel disruptions.
