Denmark Implements Drone Flight Ban Ahead of EU Summit Amid Security Concerns

Wed Oct 22 2025 05:52:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In response to recent drone incidents, Denmark has banned all civilian drone flights until October 3 as the country prepares to host a European Union summit.

Denmark's transport minister announced a temporary ban on civilian drone flights in light of heightened security concerns ahead of an EU summit in Copenhagen. This decision comes after multiple incidents involving unidentified drones over military sites, prompting Danish authorities to increase security vigilance. The ban, effective immediately, will last until October 3, with penalties for violations potentially including fines and imprisonment. The recent encounters with drones have raised alarms across Europe, leading to discussions on a 'drone wall' among EU defense ministers.

Denmark has banned all civilian drone flights this week ahead of a European Union summit in Copenhagen, the country's transport minister said on Sunday.

The ministry said the decision was made in order to 'simplify security work' for the police, as they could not accept 'foreign drones creating uncertainty and disruption'.

Denmark is one of several European countries that have reported 'drone incidents' in recent weeks, with sightings of drones above Danish military sites as recently as Saturday.

Defence ministers from 10 EU countries have agreed to create a 'drone wall' in response to these sightings, while NATO has expressed it is on 'enhanced vigilance' across the Baltic.

In their statement announcing the ban, the transport ministry emphasized that police are on 'significantly increased alert' ahead of this week's summit, stating they needed to 'take care of Danes and our guests'.

The ban will remain in effect until October 3, and violators could face fines or imprisonment for up to two years.

Denmark, currently holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, has reported unidentified drones since September 22, leading to the closure of airports in both Copenhagen and Oslo. Aalborg and Billund airports had also paused operations due to drone activity.

Danish investigators have yet to identify those responsible for the drone flights, with the defense minister labeling them a 'hybrid attack' as part of a 'systematic operation'.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has stated that authorities are investigating potential links to Russia, a claim that Moscow has denied.

The situation in Denmark reflects a broader security concern across Europe, as several NATO member states have reported similar drone incursions in recent weeks, leading to a heightened state of alert and calls for international consultations concerning airspace security.