Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport, located in the south of the Netherlands, has been suspended following multiple drone sightings. The closure, announced by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans on Saturday night, prompted an immediate response from authorities. In a post on X, Brekelmans noted that “counter-drone equipment is ready to act,” indicating preparations are underway to address the situation. An investigation into the drone sightings is currently ongoing.
The events unfolded after the Dutch military took action against drones spotted over the air force base in Volkel, approximately 40 kilometers northeast of Eindhoven, on Friday evening. The defence ministry confirmed this earlier on Saturday, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Eindhoven Airport serves both civilian and military flights, and the suspension of all types of air traffic underscores the potential risks posed by unidentified drones.
While the investigation continues, the defence ministry has not disclosed any information regarding the origin of the drones. This incident is part of a broader trend, as drone sightings and other airspace violations have caused significant disruption across Europe in recent months. Notably, in September, over 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, and three Russian military jets violated Estonia’s airspace for 12 minutes. Such incursions have raised concerns among European officials about airspace security.
In response to these ongoing challenges, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, referred to these drone incursions as “hybrid warfare.” This statement highlights the growing unease surrounding the use of drones in airspace violations and the implications for national security.
As authorities work to resolve the situation at Eindhoven Airport, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of air travel in the region. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the source of the drones and prevent similar incidents in the future.
