Denmark Says Drone Incident at Copenhagen Airport Part of Wider Hybrid Threats

Copenhagen, September 2025 — Danish authorities have confirmed that the recent drone activity that forced the temporary shutdown of Copenhagen Airport is being treated as part of broader hybrid threats facing Europe. Officials said the event highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the growing complexity of security challenges across the region.

Operations at Copenhagen Airport were suspended for several hours after multiple drones were sighted near the runway and surrounding airspace. The disruption caused delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. Authorities reported that the drones approached from different directions, switched their lights on and off intermittently, and then disappeared.

Similar activity was also reported in Oslo, Norway, where flights were grounded for several hours before normal operations resumed.

Government Response

Danish Prime Minister and security officials described the incident as a serious attack on critical infrastructure, emphasizing that it fits into a pattern of unconventional threats that combine physical, digital, and psychological elements.

The government is now working with European partners to investigate the source of the drones and to strengthen airspace surveillance systems. Officials have not attributed blame to any specific group or state but underscored the need for regional cooperation to counter emerging risks.

Hybrid Threat Context

Security experts define hybrid threats as a mix of tactics — such as cyberattacks, airspace incursions, and disinformation campaigns — designed to disrupt normal operations and create uncertainty without open conflict.

In recent months, several European nations have reported unusual drone activity near airports and critical facilities, adding to concerns that such incidents may become more frequent.

Implications for Europe

The Copenhagen shutdown is expected to spark wider discussions within the European Union and NATO on how to bolster infrastructure protection, coordinate intelligence sharing, and invest in drone detection technologies. Aviation authorities also plan to review current safety procedures to ensure airports can respond quickly to similar events in the future.

What Happens Next

Investigators are analyzing flight paths and potential launch sites for the drones, including possible offshore locations. Danish security agencies are also assessing whether additional cybersecurity and surveillance measures should be introduced around transportation hubs.

For passengers, authorities have assured that while disruptions were significant, public safety was never compromised, and further steps are being taken to prevent a repeat incident.