Emergency security meeting after drones disrupt Brussels Airport flights
Prime minister Bart De Wever has called an emergency meeting of Belgium’s National Security Council after multiple drones were spotted over Brussels Airport and two military air bases, causing flight cancellations and overnight chaos for passengers.
Interior and Security minister Bernard Quintin said the situation “requires a coordinated, national approach”, stressing that passenger and staff safety remained the top priority. The exact timing of the meeting has not yet been announced.
The decision follows a series of drone sightings over Brussels Airport and two military air bases, Kleine-Brogel and Florennes. The National Crisis Centre has already been activated and is coordinating the response.
Flights at Brussels Airport were twice suspended on Tuesday night for safety reasons after three drones were detected in the area. On Wednesday morning, travellers are still facing delays and cancellations. The airport confirmed that 40 flights have been cancelled: 16 departures and 24 arrivals.
There are also long queues at service desks, but the atmosphere at the airport reportedly remains calm. Between 500 and 1,000 passengers were forced to spend the night at the airport. Beds, food and drinks were provided.
Military bases
Drones were also spotted over the Kleine-Brogel and Florennes air bases, both of which are key sites for the Belgian Air Force. Local police confirmed some of the sightings but were unable to intercept the drones.
This marks the first time air traffic at Brussels Airport has been halted because of drone activity, a growing problem across Europe in recent months. Similar incidents have caused temporary shutdowns at airports in Copenhagen, Oslo, Aalborg and Munich.
© BELGA PHOTO EMILE WINDAL
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