Drone Sightings Disrupt Air Traffic Near Eindhoven, Netherlands

Sun Nov 23 2025 11:41:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Unidentified drones forced the suspension of air traffic in Eindhoven, triggering heightened security measures and claiming national attention among European nations.

Eindhoven's air traffic was halted following sightings of drones near the airport, with notable incidents reported over Volkel air force base. The Dutch Defense Minister announced readiness to deploy counter-drone assets as investigations into possible affiliations, particularly with Russian hybrid warfare tactics, are ongoing. This incident reflects a broader trend affecting military installations across Europe, prompting calls for enhanced drone defense measures among EU nations.

Air traffic above the southern Dutch city of Eindhoven has been suspended after unidentified drones were spotted near the airport.

Drones were first observed late on Friday over the nearby Volkel air force base. Weapons were deployed to try to shoot them down, but the devices got away.

Following more drone sightings near the main airport on Saturday, the airspace in the area was closed to both civilian and military flights. Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans stated that 'counter-drone assets' were ready to intervene.

This incident is the latest in a series of similar occurrences at military installations and airfields across northern Europe in recent months, though Russia has denied involvement.

Volkel Air Base not only serves the Royal Netherlands Air Force but also hosts a US Air Force squadron as part of NATO operations.

Officials have refused to disclose specific details about how the drones were initially detected or how attempts to neutralize them were conducted. There have been reports of drones being sighted at other important air bases in the Netherlands, as well as facilities in Belgium, Denmark, and Germany.

Investigations into the origins of these sightings have been complicated by a lack of evidence; many drones depart the scene shortly after appearing. Some European officials believe these incidents are part of a strategy of 'hybrid warfare' attributed to Russia, given that the regions affected are allied with Ukraine.

In response, defense ministers from ten EU countries have agreed to the establishment of a 'drone wall,' and various nations are seeking to implement anti-drone defense systems.