Copenhagen and Oslo airports experienced temporary closures on September 23, 2025, following the alarming sighting of unidentified drones in their airspace. Amid rising tensions in Europe, particularly due to recent Russian incursions , suspicions quickly mounted regarding the Kremlin’s involvement. However, Russia has vehemently denied any connection to these drone activities.
The incidents occurred at both Copenhagen Airport in Denmark and Oslo Airport in Norway on a Tuesday morning. Eyewitness reports indicated the presence of multiple drones, prompting authorities to take immediate action and close the airports for safety reasons. The closures lasted several hours, allowing time for flight safety investigations and assessments of the situation.
Russia Reacts
In the wake of the drone sightings, the Russian government was quick to respond, asserting that they had no involvement in the incident. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov described the claims as unfounded, stating, “Each time, we hear foundation accusations.” Peskov’s remarks were delivered during a daily briefing where he reiterated Russia’s stance of non-involvement.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned the drone sightings, describing them as a “severe attack” on national infrastructure. She stated that while it remains unclear who is responsible, we should not dismiss the possibility of Russian involvement. This skepticism is fueled by a backdrop of escalating tensions and heightened military activity in the region.
This is not the first time Russia has faced allegations regarding drone tech and airspace violations. Just weeks prior, on September 10 , Polish airspace was reportedly breached by drones, sparking a prompt mobilization of NATO fighter aircraft . Moreover, three Russian combat planes violated Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes, further inciting protests and calls for accountability from both NATO and the European Union.
Briefly Closed Airports
Following several hours of uncertainty, both Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport resumed operations shortly after the drones vanished from their airspace. Jakob Hansen , a police officer in Copenhagen, confirmed the reopening, stating, “Drones have disappeared, and the airport is open again.” Authorities reported sightings of “three or four big drones” above Copenhagen, prompting immediate security concerns.
In Oslo , authorities confirmed two distinct drone observations, which led to the closure of the airport for several hours. Monica Fasting , a spokesperson for Oslo, stated, “We made two distinct drone observations,” revealing that the airport reopened around 3:15 a.m. the next day. The rapid response from both countries underlined their commitment to maintaining airspace security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. Both Denmark and Norway are closely monitoring air traffic and are prepared to cooperate with NATO allies to ensure the safety of their airspace.
As tensions continue to simmer in Europe, the drone incidents serve as a reminder of the intricate balance between national security and international relations. The implications of these events may lead to more stringent regulations regarding drone usage and an increased military presence in surveillance operations across the region, raising the question of how nations like Denmark and Norway will position themselves amidst the evolving political climate.