Belgium’s Liege Airport Resumes Flights After Drone Sighting Disruption

Liege, Belgium – Belgium’s Liege Airport has resumed operations following a temporary closure caused by a drone sighting, the country’s air traffic control service confirmed on Friday. The incident marks the second disruption at Belgian airports due to drones in just one week.

The Skeyes air traffic control service reported that a drone was spotted over Liege Airport around 06:30 GMT, prompting authorities to close the airport for approximately 30 minutes. “We have to take every report seriously,” said Kurt Verwilligen, spokesperson for Skeyes, confirming that flights have since resumed safely.

Earlier this week, drone sightings at Brussels Airport and Liege Airport forced the diversion of numerous incoming flights and the grounding of some departures. Authorities have expressed growing concern over the frequent presence of drones near airports and military installations, noting that such incidents have increasingly disrupted air travel across Europe in recent months.

Belgium is not alone in facing these challenges. Temporary airport closures caused by drone activity have been reported in several countries, including Sweden, where flights were halted on Thursday. Some security experts have raised concerns about potential “hybrid warfare” tactics, although Moscow has denied any involvement in the incidents.

In response to the escalating situation, the Belgian government convened an emergency meeting of senior ministers and security officials on Thursday. Defence officials described the series of drone sightings as a potential coordinated attack, underscoring the urgency of enhanced security measures around critical infrastructure.

As Belgium works to address the growing threat of drone-related disruptions, air travelers are advised to monitor updates from airport authorities. The recent incidents highlight the challenges posed by unmanned aerial vehicles near busy airports, prompting heightened vigilance and reinforced safety protocols across Europe.