Belgian authorities shut the airspace over Brussels Zaventem Airport after reports of a drone flying above the runway on Tuesday night. Public broadcaster VRT confirmed that officials suspended all departing and arriving flights following the sighting. The airport briefly reopened before closing again after a second drone appeared.
Liège Airport, which initially received diverted flights from Brussels, also closed later due to another drone sighting. A spokesperson for skeyes, Belgium’s civil aviation authority, said the first drone appeared around 8 p.m. local time. Flights were then rerouted to Ostend-Bruges and Charleroi Brussels South.
Europe Heightens Security Amid Russian Airspace Breaches
NATO and the European Union remain on high alert after several suspected Russian airspace violations in recent weeks. The alliance warned Moscow in late September that it would defend its borders “by all means” following the downing of Russian drones over Poland and reports of Russian fighter jets entering Estonian airspace.
The 10 September incident in Poland marked the first direct confrontation between NATO and Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began in early 2022. Estonia later reported that three Russian MiG-31 jets crossed its airspace for twelve minutes without permission, an allegation the Kremlin denied.
European leaders expressed alarm over the escalating incursions, questioning whether NATO’s defensive posture remains strong enough against Russia’s increasing aggression.
NATO Launches New Defence Initiative
In response to the violations, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the creation of the Eastern Sentry programme. The initiative aims to strengthen airspace monitoring, deter Russian provocations, and demonstrate unity with Poland.
“We see drones violating our airspace, intentional or not—it is unacceptable,” Rutte said. “Allies have shown full solidarity with Poland. We must resist aggression and defend every NATO member.”
The recent drone activity over Belgian airports underscores growing regional tension as Europe braces for more potential airspace violations tied to Moscow’s expanding influence and risk-taking.
