Denmark Temporarily Halts Civilian Drone Flights

(MENAFN) Denmark has introduced a temporary suspension on all civilian drone operations for the upcoming week, as the country prepares to host an informal gathering of EU leaders in Copenhagen.

The ban, which starts on Monday and extends through Friday, is a response to growing security concerns surrounding unauthorized drone activity.

In a formal announcement, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen emphasized the need for heightened precautions: "We cannot accept that foreign drones create uncertainty and disruption in society as we have experienced recently.

At the same time, Denmark will host EU leaders next week, where we must have extra focus on safety.

Therefore, from Monday to Friday, we will close Danish airspace to all civilian drone flights." The directive was shared through a statement from the transport ministry.

The prohibition, which is in effect 24 hours a day, carries serious penalties for noncompliance.

Individuals who disregard the restriction could face monetary penalties or imprisonment for as long as two years.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen reinforced the gravity of the situation, citing the elevated security environment and the burden it places on national defense and law enforcement. "We are currently in a difficult security situation, and we must ensure the best possible working conditions for the Armed Forces and the Police when they are responsible for security during the EU summit.

A task that already requires a great deal of effort from our authorities, who are working around the clock to protect the Danes and our guests," he noted.

Security tensions escalated further on Thursday evening, when Danish officials shut down airspace around various airports following sightings of drones, leading to redirected flights and raising alarm.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the situation as “a hybrid war unfolding on Danish soil,” a phrase that underscores the growing unease.

The concern did not subside over the weekend.

On Saturday, the Danish Armed Forces reported detecting additional drone activity near several of their installations, intensifying fears of ongoing surveillance or potential threats from unknown actors.

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