Brussels Airport comes to a standstill due to a mysterious drone sighting, leaving passengers stranded and raising security concerns. But is this an isolated incident or a growing trend?
According to Belgian air traffic control, the airport was closed and all flights were grounded after a drone was spotted. A spokesperson confirmed the halt in operations, unable to provide an estimate for the airport's reopening. This incident mirrors recent events at Liege Airport, which also shut down due to drone activity.
The sighting occurred around 7 pm GMT, as reported by Kurt Verwilligen, a Belgian air traffic control representative. The airport, a significant international hub, is now grappling with delayed and canceled flights. And this is where it gets intriguing: FlightRadar24 indicates that some flights were even diverted, adding to the chaos.
The airport's website confirms the situation, stating, "Due to drone sightings around the airport, there are currently no departing or arriving flights." The disruption has affected flights to and from destinations like the UK, Dubai, and Turkey. The last departure was a flight to Prague at 7:30 pm, and the final arrival was from Tenerife at 7:50 pm.
This event echoes a series of drone-related incidents across Europe. In September, Lublin Airport in Poland faced a similar closure when Russian drones allegedly entered Polish airspace, prompting NATO fighter jets to intervene. The Polish military emphasized the preventive nature of their heightened air defense measures.
Copenhagen and Oslo Airports also experienced brief closures due to drones, and just last weekend, a Belgian military air base reported drone sightings. Here's where it gets controversial: With the increasing frequency of these incidents, questions arise about the effectiveness of current drone regulations and the potential risks to aviation security.
As the investigation unfolds, the details of this drone incursion remain unclear. Were these isolated incidents or part of a coordinated effort? The public awaits further updates, leaving room for speculation and discussion on the implications for airport safety and security.
