Copenhagen, Denmark – A suspected drone sighting forced the temporary closure of Aalborg Airport early Friday, the second disruption in less than 24 hours, as Danish authorities linked a string of incidents to potential “hybrid attacks” that may be connected to Russia.
Drones have been spotted over multiple Danish airports and a military base since Wednesday, prompting shutdowns at Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Sonderborg airports, as well as Copenhagen Airport earlier this week.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that the flights could escalate. “Over recent days, Denmark has been the victim of hybrid attacks,” she said in a video message Thursday, stressing that Russia remained the primary threat to Europe’s security.
Moscow, however, dismissed the accusations as “a staged provocation”.
Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the aim of the incursions was “to spread fear, create division and frighten us,” adding that Denmark would invest in new technologies to detect and neutralise drones.
Military officials said the operations appeared to be professionally coordinated across multiple sites, though no direct military threat had been identified. Intelligence chief Finn Borch nevertheless cautioned that the risk of Russian sabotage in Denmark remained “high”.
The developments come as EU countries prepare to discuss building a “wall” of anti-drone defences, with Denmark expected to participate in Friday’s talks.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged support, saying France is ready to help safeguard Danish airspace. NATO consultations remain under consideration, officials said.
The incidents have unsettled some Danes ahead of next week’s EU summit in Copenhagen. “I feel rather insecure,” said 85-year-old Birgit Larsen. Others, like Torsten Froling, viewed the flights as provocations rather than direct threats: “It’s probably Russia testing the borders of Europe.”
The drone sightings follow Denmark’s recent announcement that it will acquire long-range precision weapons, citing Russia as a long-term security concern.
