Denmark Reopens Airports After Drone Disruptions in Jutland

Airports across western Denmark reopened early on March 15, 2025, following lengthy closures caused by drone incursions into their airspace. This incident marks the second disruption of its kind in just a few days, raising security concerns in the Nordic region.

Billund Airport, the second largest in Denmark, was closed for approximately one hour, while Aalborg Airport, which serves both commercial and military flights, experienced a three-hour shutdown. The closures were initiated late on March 14, 2025, as unidentified drones entered the airspace surrounding these airports, according to Danish police. Additional drone sightings were reported near Esbjerg and Sonderborg Airports, as well as near Skrydstrup Airbase, home to Denmark’s F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.

Resident Morten Skov reported seeing green blinking lights hovering over Aalborg Airport. In a video shared with Reuters, the lights were observed moving westward from the airport. Danish authorities noted that the drone activity mirrored patterns seen in a previous incident that halted flights at Copenhagen Airport on March 11 and 12, which they described as the most serious threat to critical infrastructure in recent times.

The Danish police linked this series of drone incursions to a broader pattern of suspected Russian drone activity across Europe, although they did not provide specific evidence for this claim. In response, Vladimir Barbin, Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, denied any involvement by his country in the recent incidents.

Authorities indicated they were unable to neutralise the drones during the disruptions, but reassured the public that there was no immediate threat to safety. The drone sightings at Aalborg Airport began just before 22:00 local time on March 14 and ceased shortly before 01:00 on March 15.

The authorities’ ongoing investigations into these drone activities highlight the growing concerns surrounding airspace security, particularly in light of the recent incidents. The situation continues to develop as officials work to ensure the safety of air travel in Denmark and the surrounding regions.