The Danish government has decided to close the country’s airspace to civilian drones from 29 September to 3 October, as the kingdom hosts several high-level European Union meetings. Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen announced the measure on Sunday.
During this period, Copenhagen will host a meeting of EU heads of state and government on 1 October, followed by the European Political Community summit the next day.
Danielsen described the recent drone incidents as unacceptable, saying they create disturbance and uncertainty in society. As host of the important EU summits, Denmark must pay particular attention to security, he stressed. He added that the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) are also providing support for securing the events.
For several days, Denmark has been on high alert due to drone sightings. On 22 September, air traffic at Copenhagen International Airport was suspended for several hours because of unidentified unmanned aerial vehicles. Subsequently, drones were spotted near other airports, and over the weekend reports emerged of drone activity above military bases as well.
The Danish government has spoken of hybrid attacks. Investigations suggest the incidents were carried out by sophisticated perpetrators aiming to cause disruption in a NATO member state. Russia denied any involvement through its embassy in Denmark on Thursday.
