Copenhagen, September 29: Denmark will ban all civilian drone flights nationwide this week as European leaders gather in Copenhagen for an EU summit, the transport ministry said on Sunday, following a wave of mysterious drone sightings that has raised security concerns across the region.
The restriction, which runs from Monday to Friday, comes after drones were reported over Danish airports and military sites since Sept. 22, forcing several temporary airspace closures. Denmark has hinted at possible Russian involvement, though Moscow has denied any role.
“From Monday to Friday, we will close Danish airspace to all civilian drone flights,” Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said in a statement. “This removes the risk that enemy drones can be confused with legal drones and vice versa.”
Violating the ban could lead to fines or up to two years in prison, the ministry said. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard added that the move would free up police resources to focus on genuine threats, as authorities remain on heightened alert.
Police said they had received more than 500 public reports of drone flights in recent days, most of which were dismissed. Investigators have yet to identify those responsible. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said last week that Russia remained “the main country that poses a threat to Europe’s security.”
Drone activity has also been reported in neighbouring Norway, where air and land restrictions have been extended around four northern airports. One flight was diverted from Bronnoysund Airport on Sunday. Germany said it may authorise its military to shoot down drones after a “swarm” was spotted over Schleswig-Holstein, which borders Denmark.
NATO said it had boosted surveillance and deployed at least one air-defence frigate in the Baltic in response to the incidents. The sightings follow earlier drone incursions in Poland and Romania, as well as Russian fighter jet violations of Estonian airspace.
European defence ministers last week agreed to prioritise building a so-called “drone wall” to strengthen the bloc’s defences.
