'Russian involvement cannot be ruled out': Danish PM on drones that paralysed Copenhagen, Oslo airports for hours | WATCH

Copenhagen: Copenhagen and Oslo airports were forced to shut down for several hours on Monday evening due to multiple drone sightings, causing major travel disruptions across Scandinavia. Danish authorities closed Copenhagen Airport—the busiest in the Nordic region—after two to three large drones were observed flying near the airfield, suspending all take-offs and landings for nearly four hours. Oslo Airport similarly closed its airspace for about three hours after a drone sighting, rerouting flights to other airports.

The incidents left tens of thousands of travellers stranded as more than 50 flights to Copenhagen were diverted or cancelled. Danish police described the drones as operated by a "skilled individual" intending to showcase specific capabilities, but no suspects have yet been identified. Oslo authorities confirmed they were investigating a separate drone incident involving foreign nationals, but have not linked it conclusively to the Copenhagen sightings.

In the wake of the shutdowns and ongoing police investigations, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Russian involvement “cannot be ruled out.” The statement comes amid rising tensions across Europe as Russian drone and fighter jet incursions into NATO airspace continue. Frederiksen emphasised the seriousness of the attack on Danish infrastructure and highlighted the country’s heightened vigilance in facing potential hybrid threats.

The drones reportedly appeared from multiple directions, intermittently flashing lights, and prolonged their presence, causing authorities’ concern about the timing and sophistication of the incursions. Danish police and security services have escalated their inquiry and coordination with Norwegian counterparts to determine the origin and motive behind these sophisticated airspace violations.

Authorities have reassured the public that there was no immediate threat of harm, but the disruptions have raised questions about regional security during a period of geopolitical instability. NATO countries around Eastern Europe, including Poland and Estonia, have recently reported similar drone and airspace violations attributed to Russia, fueling concerns about expanded Russian hybrid warfare tactics.

Copenhagen and Oslo airports reopened early Tuesday, but travellers are warned to expect ongoing delays as security operations tighten and investigations proceed. The incidents add to a series of recent European airport disruptions, including notable cyberattacks affecting major hubs in London, Berlin, and Brussels.