Authorities shut down Brussels Zaventem Airport after reports of a drone flying over the airfield late Tuesday evening. Belgium’s public broadcaster VRT confirmed that officials suspended all arrivals and departures following the initial sighting. The airspace briefly reopened before officials closed it again after a second drone appeared.
Liège Airport, which initially received diverted flights from Brussels, also suspended operations after a separate drone was spotted overhead. A spokesperson for skeyes, Belgium’s airspace authority, said the first incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time, forcing planes to reroute to Ostend-Bruges and Charleroi Brussels South airports.
Europe on Edge After Repeated Airspace Violations
Both NATO and the European Union have heightened security following a recent series of airspace breaches linked to Russia. The latest incidents raised further alarm as tensions between Moscow and Western allies continue to grow. NATO issued a stern warning to Russia at the end of September, pledging to defend its members after Russian drones reportedly entered Polish airspace and fighter jets violated Estonian skies.
Poland reported its first direct confrontation with Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine when drones crossed its border on September 10. Estonia later confirmed that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered its airspace for twelve minutes without authorisation. The Kremlin denied responsibility, but European leaders voiced deep concern about the alliance’s defensive readiness.
NATO Responds with New Eastern Defence Plan
In response, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the Eastern Sentry initiative to strengthen deterrence and reinforce solidarity with Poland. “We see drones entering our airspace. Whether deliberate or not, it is unacceptable,” Rutte said. “Allies stand fully behind Poland. We must confront aggression and protect every NATO member.”
European officials warned that continued violations could escalate tensions across the continent. Both NATO and EU defense ministers have pledged to increase surveillance and coordination to prevent further breaches as drone activity grows near critical infrastructure and airports.
