Drones over Copenhagen shut Denmark's largest airport to air site visitors for hours

[ad_1] A talented drone pilot flew two to 3 giant unidentified drones over Copenhagen Airport on Monday night time, shutting down the airspace for hours because the unknown perpetrator seemed to be exhibiting off their capabilities over Scandinavia's largest airport, police mentioned Tuesday.

Officers selected to not shoot down the drones as a result of the danger was too nice due to the airport being stuffed with passengers, the planes on the runways and close by gas depots, Jes Jespersen, senior police inspector of the Copenhagen Police, mentioned throughout a information convention.

Jespersen referred to as the pilot "a succesful actor," saying the perpetrator appeared intent on exhibiting off their expertise and probably practising their methods. The drones disappeared after a number of hours.

There have been no indicators that the drone pilot meant to trigger hurt to anybody, he added. The drones' lights turned on and off and appeared to interact in several flight patterns.

"All of it signifies that you're not out to assault anybody, however you're out to indicate off and possibly to practise," he mentioned of the pilot.

Nonetheless, authorities could not rule out the potential for the drones being a part of a Russian hybrid assault, he mentioned. The 2 to 3 drones appeared to have flown many kilometres to succeed in the airport. Investigators are taking a look at how the drones reached the airport — whether or not it was by land or probably by boat.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen referred to as it "essentially the most critical assault on Danish essential infrastructure up to now."

Cancellations, delays Flights on the airport resumed early Tuesday, although delays and cancellations continued by means of the morning.

"Copenhagen Airport has reopened after being closed on account of drone exercise. Nevertheless, there will likely be delays and a few cancelled departures. Passengers are suggested to examine with their airline for additional data," its official web site mentioned.

A drone incident the identical night on the airport in Oslo, Norway, compelled all site visitors to maneuver to 1 runway, in line with Norwegian broadcaster NRK. Visitors later returned to regular and it is unclear who was accountable.

Jespersen mentioned nothing instantly linked the Oslo and Copenhagen incidents, however officers would look into any potential ties.

Safety issues in northern Europe are heightened following a rise in Russian sabotage actions and a number of drones and fighter jet incursions into NATO airspace in current weeks.

In 2023, London's Gatwick Airport closed its runway for nearly an hour after a drone was reported close by. And in December 2018, greater than 140,000 travellers had been stranded or delayed in the course of the Christmas season after dozens of drone sightings shut down Gatwick for elements of three consecutive days.