Drone Sightings Disrupt Belgian Airports Amid Security Concerns
Belgium is facing renewed disruptions at its major airports following a series of suspected drone sightings, causing concern among authorities and travelers alike. Brussels Airport in Zaventem and Liege Airport were both affected, with flights temporarily halted after drones were spotted in their airspace. These incidents occurred just hours after Belgium’s national security council convened to discuss emerging aerial threats, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by unauthorized drones.
At Liege Airport, flights were suspended for around 30 minutes early on Friday morning after a drone was seen near the airfield. Air traffic has since resumed, but this marks the second disruption in just one week, following similar sightings on Tuesday evening that forced some incoming flights to divert and led to dozens of cancellations. In Brussels, passengers faced delays and were forced to spend the night at the airport, reflecting the significant impact these drone incursions are having on routine operations.
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Reports suggest that these sightings are not limited to airports. Drones have also been observed near military facilities, including the Doel nuclear power plant and the SCK nuclear research center in Mol, as well as the port of Antwerp. Defence Minister Theo Francken described the incidents as a coordinated attack, though no specific group has been identified. In response, Belgium is expected to receive anti-drone support from the German army, in an effort to curb these repeated intrusions and protect both civil and military sites.
The trend of drone disruptions is not unique to Belgium. Across Europe, similar incidents have been reported, including at Sweden’s Landvetter Airport in Gothenburg, where police launched an investigation into what was described as “suspected aviation sabotage.” Experts have raised concerns that these drone incursions could be part of a broader pattern of hybrid warfare, aimed at putting pressure on European countries without triggering conventional military conflict.
High-ranking officials have also pointed to potential links with ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly Russia’s war in Ukraine. While no direct evidence has tied the drones to Russia, intelligence agencies in Denmark and other European nations have suggested that such drone flights may serve as a tactic to destabilize the region and create uncertainty. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed these concerns, describing the incidents as part of hybrid warfare intended to sow division within Europe.
For now, Belgian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, working with international partners to enhance security measures around airports and sensitive facilities. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant as the authorities respond to these repeated aerial disruptions, reflecting a growing challenge that European nations are facing in maintaining safe and secure airspace.
The situation remains fluid, and as these drone sightings continue, Belgium and its neighbors are on high alert to prevent further interruptions and potential threats to national security.
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