On Tuesday night, the airport of Brussels-Zaventem suspended its air traffic due to the detection of drones in the vicinity. The measure, implemented for security reasons, was replicated in LiègeThis forced the activation of diversions and the keeping of aircraft in holding patterns for part of the afternoon and evening.
After a brief reopening, New sightings forced intermittent closures and a staggered management of arrivals and departures. Early Wednesday morning, operations began to normalize, although some issues persisted. delays and cancellations punctual.
What is known about the incident
The controllers activated the protocol after detecting at least one drone in the operational area of Zaventem shortly before 8:00 p.m. (local time). There is no official confirmation of the number of aircraft; however, local media , the The Latest News They indicated that they could have been up to three, an extreme that Skeyes is keeping under investigation.
In parallel, Liège temporarily closed its airspace due to a similar sighting. As a precaution, in Charleroi Landings were suspended, a decision that followed standard procedures while the actual risk was assessed.
Affected airports and diversions
During the disruptions, several flights bound for Brussels were redirected to nearby airports or remained on hold. Alternative destinations included Charleroi and Bruges within Belgium, in addition to Paris, Maastricht, Cologne and Frankfurt, according to data from tracking portals such as Flightradar.
Some passengers reported that their aircraft had to refuel after landing on a diversion so they could wait on the ground until the alert was lifted. Zaventem terminal confirmed that they were “investigating the matter” and that priority was given to operational security above punctuality.
- Takeoffs and landings stopped at intervals and resumed gradually.
- Aircraft on standby en route and diverted to nearby bases and European hubs.
- Passenger information channeled by airlines and airport.
How the security protocol is applied
According to Skeyes, when a drone is detected, a decree is issued minimum 30-minute break to carry out checks and confirm that the airspace is clear of incursions. If the inspections find no activity, operations are suspended. They will resume in a controlled manner..
This procedure involves coordination between air traffic control, police and civil aviation authoritieswith special attention to approach management, aircraft separation, and alternate landings while secure the perimeter.
Political and military reaction in Belgium
The Belgian government has urgently convened the National Security Council to address the disruptions in Brussels and Liège. The aim is to accelerate a drone incursion response plan and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure.
Unauthorized flights were already reported around bases such as [bases name missing] the previous weekend. Little Brogel (where Belgium hosts US nuclear weapons and plans to deploy F-35s) and FlorennesThe military leadership has given the order to neutralize any unknown drone on military installations when it can be done safely and without "collateral damage".
Defense officials insist that There is no conclusive information Regarding the origin of the devices. Although hypotheses such as the espionageFor now, there is no official attribution or confirmed link between the incidents detected at airports and those recorded at military bases.
A phenomenon that is repeated in Europe
Similar incidents have occurred in recent months temporary closures at airports such as Berlin-Brandenburg, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Aalborg, in addition to repeated incidents in Munich. European authorities have reinforced the anti-drone surveillance and the preventive shutdown protocols.
Brussels-Zaventem already suffered a cyberattack In September, a reminder that aviation faces hybrid risks: from digital interference to incursions of uas in restricted areas. This context explains the growing investment in detection and neutralization technologies.
Tips for passengers
If you are planning to fly to or from Belgium, airlines recommend do not go to the airport without confirmation from your operator. Check the flight status frequently and use official channels for exchanges or refunds where applicable.
- Check the airline's app or website and activate alerts Of flight.
- Avoid unnecessary trips to the airport until you have green light.
- Evaluate alternative routes and make flexible connections or links.
- Review your passenger rights in case of delays or cancellations.
With intermittent closures and the investigation phase underway, authorities are prioritizing the air safety while they regularize operations. The combination of rapid protocols, planned detours, and inter-institutional coordination has allowed reopen gradually the flow of flights, although schedule adjustments and last-minute changes may persist.