Air traffic in Scandinavia was severely disrupted on the night of September 22–23, 2025, after unidentified drones forced the closure of Copenhagen Airport and the airspace over Oslo. Both hubs have now reopened, but passengers are still facing delays and cancellations.
What Happened in Copenhagen and Oslo
The alarm was triggered around 8:30 p.m. when Naviair, Denmark’s air traffic control authority, reported the presence of two or three large drones near Copenhagen Airport. Departing flights were grounded, and several planes were diverted to nearby airports.
At the same time, the airspace above Oslo Airport was closed after at least two drones were spotted near the runway. The shutdown lasted roughly four hours, with major consequences for travelers.
“The drones were not shot down by authorities but disappeared on their own. We don’t know where they went,” said Deputy Police Inspector Jakob Hansen during a late-night press conference.
Reopening and Passenger Impact
Copenhagen Airport resumed operations shortly after midnight, while Oslo’s airspace reopened around 4 a.m..
Still, many flights remain delayed or canceled. Airport authorities are advising passengers to check directly with their airlines before traveling.
A “Capable Actor” Behind the Operation
Danish police stressed that the drones were operated by skilled individuals.
“The number, size, flight routes, and time spent above the airport all point to a capable actor. Which actor, we don’t yet know,” said Inspector Jens Jespersen.
Investigations are underway in cooperation with the PET intelligence service and the Danish Armed Forces, focusing on identifying the type and origin of the drones.
Zelensky Blames Russia
The incident quickly escalated into a geopolitical issue. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pointed the finger at Russia, accusing it of violating NATO members’ airspace.
On X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky wrote:
“We discussed with IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva the Russian violations of NATO airspace, including the September 22 incident in Copenhagen. Without a firm response from allies, Moscow will continue with these provocations.”
Conclusion
The Copenhagen and Oslo drone alarm highlights growing concerns over airspace security and hybrid threats in Europe. Ongoing investigations will determine whether this was an isolated act or part of a broader coordinated operation with geopolitical implications.
