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Brussels airport temporarily halted operations due to drone sighting

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 6, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Brussels airport temporarily halted operations due to drone sighting
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By Charlotte Van Campenhout BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Operations at Belgium's Brussels Airport were temporarily halted on Thursday due to a drone sighting, a spokesperson for air traffic control Skeyes said

Brussels Airport Suspends Operations Following Drone Sightings

Impact of Drone Sightings on Aviation

By Charlotte Van Campenhout

Emergency Government Response

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Operations at Belgium's Brussels Airport were temporarily halted on Thursday due to a drone sighting, a spokesperson for air traffic control Skeyes said on Thursday, without specifying how many drones had been seen.

International Support and Security Measures

Local media reported drones had been sighted in other parts of the country as well, among others at a military base.

Germany's Counter-Drone Assistance

The Belgian government had called an emergency meeting of key government ministers and security chiefs earlier on Thursday morning after drone sightings forced closures of airports and a military air base on Tuesday evening in what the defence minister called a coordinated attack.

Recent Trends in Drone Disruptions

Germany has said the Bundeswehr will provide Belgium with short-notice support in counter–drone capabilities.

Drones have caused major disruptions across Europe in recent months, forcing temporary closures of airports in several countries. Some officials have blamed the incidents on "hybrid warfare" by Russia. Moscow has denied any connection with the incidents.

(Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Bart Meijer; Editing by Chris Reese)

Key Takeaways

  • Brussels Airport operations were temporarily halted due to drone sightings.
  • Drones were also seen at a military base in Belgium.
  • The Belgian government held an emergency meeting in response.
  • Germany offered counter-drone support to Belgium.
  • Drone disruptions have been increasing across Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drone?
A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans.
What is aviation safety?
Aviation safety refers to the measures and practices implemented to ensure the safety of aircraft operations and prevent accidents.
What is emergency response?
Emergency response is the organized approach to addressing emergencies, including the actions taken to manage and mitigate incidents.
What are counter-drone measures?
Counter-drone measures are strategies and technologies used to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones to ensure safety and security.

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