Authorities closed Brussels Zaventem Airport after multiple drone sightings disrupted air traffic on Tuesday night. Belgium’s public broadcaster VRT reported that the airspace above the airport was first shut down around 8 p.m. local time after pilots spotted a drone. All departing and arriving flights were suspended as air traffic controllers diverted planes to Ostend-Bruges and Charleroi Brussels South.
The airport briefly reopened but closed again minutes later following a second drone sighting. Liège Airport, which initially accepted diverted flights, also shut down after another drone appeared overhead. A spokesperson for skeyes, Belgium’s civil airspace authority, confirmed that safety officials immediately grounded flights while investigating the incidents.
NATO and EU Heighten Readiness Amid Tensions
Both NATO and the European Union have remained on heightened alert following recent airspace violations believed to involve Russia. These latest drone events deepened concerns about European air security. NATO issued a warning to Moscow in late September, promising to use “all means” to defend against any future intrusions.
Earlier, Russian drones were shot down over Poland, and Estonia reported an unauthorised entry by Russian fighter jets. Estonia said three MiG-31 aircraft entered its airspace for twelve minutes without clearance—a claim Moscow denied. The incidents reignited anxiety among European leaders about the continent’s defence posture against increasing Russian provocations.
NATO Launches Eastern Sentry to Deter Incursions
Following the violation of Polish airspace, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a new defensive initiative, the Eastern Sentry programme. The plan aims to deter Russian aggression and demonstrate unwavering solidarity with Poland and other eastern allies.
“We see drones breaching our skies,” Rutte said. “Whether intentional or not, it is unacceptable. Every NATO member stands with Poland. We will counter aggression and defend every inch of allied territory.”
The drone intrusions, combined with escalating Russian air activity near NATO borders, have intensified pressure on Europe’s security agencies to strengthen coordination and protect its skies.
