Two of Belgium’s main international airports were paralyzed this afternoon by suspicious drones.
All air traffic was suspended at Brussels airport in the capital and at Liège airport in the east.
Kurt Verwilligen, spokesman for the Belgian air traffic control service, said a drone was detected near Brussels airport shortly before 7pm UK time.
The airport was closed as a security measure.
Some planes were diverted to the smaller Liège airport, before this too was closed following the appearance of drones.
Authorities have not yet been able to confirm a link between the drones in the two cities.
NOT ‘THE REAL THING’!
Coca Cola faces fury for using AI to remake beloved Christmas ad AGAIN
A CRACK IN CARACAS
Inside Trump’s plan for a total INVASION of Venezuela’s gang paradise
Flights landing at both airports were diverted to Maastricht and Cologne.
Verwilligen explained: “When a drone is detected, the standard procedure is to stop flights for at least 30 minutes, to allow time for necessary checks and to ensure that no further unwanted overflights occur.
“That’s what happened here.”
A spokesperson for Brussels Airport previously said: “There are currently no flights landing or taking off.”
Both airports reopened shortly after 8pm UK time.
In September, Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport had to be briefly closed as a result of drone sightings, while last weekend drones were also seen over a Belgian military air base.
A police helicopter and a jammer were hastily deployed to pursue and disrupt the radio waves of the three devices flying over the Kleine-Brogel air base near Peer.
It comes just weeks after NATO revealed it is increasing its air defenses as rogue drones continue to threaten European airports and bases.
According to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, the drones were seen on Saturday afternoon flying “at higher altitudes” and had a “clear mission” aimed at the military base.
In a post on X, he urgently called for more funds to counter the threat, adding that the helicopter and jammer failed to deter the devices.
The flights breached what is considered one of the most sensitive military points in Europe believed to be home to American nuclear weapons.
That was the base’s second incursion in just 24 hours and unidentified drones were also seen over the area Friday night.
Francken said: “Three reports of drones over Kleine Brogel were received last night, larger drones flying at higher altitudes. It is not a typical flyby, but a clear mission aimed at Kleine Brogel.
FESTIVE FEELINGS
John Lewis reveals touching Christmas advert set to nostalgic 90s house track
TRAFFIC CARNAGE
Highway closed with delays of TWO HOURS after accident between truck and van
“The drone jammer’s firing proved ineffective. Police helicopters and vans pursued a drone but lost contact after traveling several kilometers north. The police and ADIV investigation is ongoing.
“Thanks to the security personnel for their surveillance and monitoring. Thanks to the police. We are further increasing our surveillance with a view to catching the pilots.”
