Air traffic over the southern Dutch city of Eindhoven was halted for several hours on Saturday after unidentified drones were spotted near the airport, authorities said. The closure followed earlier sightings on Friday over the nearby Volkel air force base, where attempts to shoot down the drones with deployed weapons were unsuccessful.
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After the second series of sightings on Saturday, airspace around Eindhoven Airport remained closed until approximately 23:00 local time (22:00 GMT). Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed that measures had been taken but did not provide further details. Officials declined to reveal how the drones were first detected or the methods used to try to bring them down.
Volkel Air Base, located a few kilometers from Eindhoven, is used by the Royal Netherlands Air Force and hosts a US Air Force squadron as part of NATO operations. Drones have been reported at other Dutch military installations in recent weeks, as well as at facilities in Belgium, Denmark and Germany.
Investigations into the incidents have been hampered by a lack of evidence regarding the drones’ origins. In many cases, the devices depart quickly, leaving officials with few clues. Some European sources have suggested the sightings may be linked to hybrid warfare tactics, pointing out that the targeted nations are all allied with Ukraine. Russia has denied any involvement in the incidents.
In response to the recurring drone sightings, defence ministers from 10 European Union countries have agreed to develop a so-called “drone wall,” intended to detect and intercept unauthorized devices. Individual nations are also exploring additional anti-drone measures to protect sensitive sites.
Officials have warned that the threat posed by drones is difficult to assess and requires coordinated monitoring and defence strategies. The incidents have raised concerns over the vulnerability of both civilian and military airspace, highlighting the challenges posed by small, hard-to-track aerial devices.
Dutch authorities emphasized that safety protocols remain in place at both Eindhoven Airport and Volkel Air Base. Local residents and travellers were advised to follow instructions from airport staff, and flights resumed once the airspace was cleared.
The recent incidents are part of a wider pattern of unexplained drone activity across northern Europe, drawing attention from NATO and EU security agencies. As nations continue to investigate, the focus remains on securing critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of air travel while identifying those responsible for the incursions.
