Brussels and Liege Airports Closed Due to Drone Sightings

Environment

Brussels and Liege Airports Closed Due to Drone Sightings

1 month ago

News sources:

REUTERS

BBC

Brussels and Liege Airports Closed Due to Drone Sightings

Credited from: AA

Brussels Airport closed after a reported drone sighting.
Liege Airport is also affected by drone disruptions.
Authorities unable to estimate duration of closures.
Safety protocols triggered due to frequent drone sightings.
Investigations ongoing regarding the nature of the drone incidents.

Brussels Airport has been closed due to a reported sighting of a drone, with a spokeswoman highlighting that "there are no flights currently landing or taking off." This decision was made by the Belgian air traffic control service after a drone was seen near the airport, prompting security measures shortly before 1900 GMT, according to Reuters.

The disruption extends to Liege Airport, which is also closed, causing significant operational challenges as flights have been diverted to other airports including Ostend and Charleroi. Local media have reported that drone sightings have been persistent, especially near military airbases like Kleine-Brogel and Florennes, according to BBC and AA.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and Belgium's defense minister has launched an investigation, labeling the incidents as a "clear mission targeting Kleine-Brogel." This follows a string of drone sightings that have disrupted not just Brussels but several other airports in Europe, as reported by both BBC and AA.