Authorities shut down Brussels Zaventem Airport on Tuesday night after reports of a drone flying above the airfield. Belgium’s public broadcaster VRT confirmed that officials temporarily halted all departures and arrivals following the first sighting.
The airport briefly reopened before a second drone report forced another closure. Flights redirected to Liège Airport also faced disruption when officials there reported a separate drone sighting. A spokesperson for skeyes, Belgium’s civil airspace authority, said the first incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time, leading planes to divert to Ostend-Bruges and Charleroi Brussels South.
NATO and EU Heighten Security After Airspace Violations
The European Union and NATO increased their alert levels after multiple airspace breaches believed to involve Russia. The recent drone intrusions follow several similar incidents across Europe. NATO issued a stern warning to Moscow in late September, vowing to defend member airspace after Russian drones entered Polish skies and fighter jets violated Estonia’s airspace.
On 10 September, a Russian drone crossed into Poland, marking the first direct contact between NATO and Russia since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Days later, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes without clearance—an accusation Moscow denied.
NATO Launches New Defence Programme
The incidents alarmed European leaders and prompted NATO to strengthen eastern defences. Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of the Eastern Sentry programme to deter Russian incursions and demonstrate support for Poland.
“We see drones entering our airspace. Intentional or not, this is unacceptable,” Rutte said. “Allies stand in full solidarity with Poland. We must counter aggression and defend every member of the alliance.”
NATO continues to monitor air activity across Europe closely as member states prepare for potential escalation in airspace violations linked to Russian operations.
