Danish PM Links Copenhagen Airport Drone Incursion to Russia Amid Escalating NATO Airspace Violations

Drone Sightings Disrupt Copenhagen and Oslo Airports: Russian Involvement Suspected

Copenhagen and Oslo airports experienced significant disruptions on Monday night, September 22, 2025, due to multiple drone sightings. This led to temporary closures, flight diversions, and stranded passengers. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Russian involvement could not be ruled out, linking the incidents to recent incursions into NATO airspace.

Airport Closures and Disruptions

Copenhagen Airport, the busiest in the Nordic region, was forced to halt flights for nearly four hours after multiple large drones were spotted in its airspace. Similarly, Oslo Airport closed for about three hours. These closures resulted in the diversion of dozens of flights and impacted approximately 20,000 passengers. Flights have since resumed with travelers warned of ongoing delays and cancellations.

• Copenhagen Airport closed for four hours.
• Oslo Airport closed for three hours.
• Approximately 20,000 passengers impacted.

Investigation and Security Concerns

Danish police described the drones as being operated by a "capable actor" intending to showcase certain abilities. Inspector Jens Jespersen noted that the drones came from different directions and turned their lights on and off. Authorities are investigating the incidents in both Denmark and Norway, working to determine if they are connected. Security has been tightened at both airports.

Political Reactions and International Context

Prime Minister Frederiksen described the drone incursion at Copenhagen as "the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date." She emphasized that these events must be viewed in the context of recent airspace violations by Russian drones and fighter jets in countries like Poland, Romania, and Estonia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also referenced "Russia's violation" of NATO airspace in Copenhagen.

"It says something about the times we live in and what we as a society must be prepared to deal with," - Mette Frederiksen

Russia's Response

The Kremlin has denounced any accusations of involvement, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling the allegations "unfounded." However, Flemming Drejer, director of operations at Denmark’s PET intelligence service, said authorities are considering all possibilities. The incident has heightened concerns about regional security amid increasing geopolitical tensions.