Belgian authorities closed the airspace over Brussels Zaventem Airport after reports of a drone flying above the airfield. Public broadcaster VRT confirmed that all departures and arrivals were suspended on Tuesday night following the sighting. The airport briefly reopened before closing again after a second drone appeared.
Liège Airport, which initially received diverted planes, also shut down when another drone was spotted nearby. Earlier that evening, a spokesperson for Skeyes, Belgium’s civil airspace authority, said the first sighting occurred around 8 p.m. local time. Officials diverted flights to Ostend-Bruges and Charleroi Brussels South to ensure safety.
Authorities have not confirmed the drone’s origin, but the incidents heightened fears amid growing European security tensions.
Europe on Edge Amid Russian Airspace Violations
NATO and the European Union remain on high alert after multiple airspace breaches allegedly linked to Russia. At the end of September, NATO warned Moscow it would use every means to defend member states following a series of drone and jet intrusions.
In early September, Poland reported the downing of Russian drones, marking the first direct encounter between NATO and Russia since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Days later, Estonia accused three Russian MiG-31 jets of entering its airspace for 12 minutes without clearance — a claim the Kremlin denied.
European leaders expressed alarm over these incidents, calling for tighter coordination and stronger deterrence against future aggression.
NATO Responds with Stronger Defensive Measures
After the Polish airspace violation, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte unveiled the Eastern Sentry programme to reinforce eastern defences and support Poland. “We see drones crossing our skies. Whether deliberate or not, it is unacceptable,” Rutte stated.
He added, “Allies stand fully with Poland. We must deter aggression and protect every NATO member.” The alliance said it continues to monitor airspace across Europe and will respond decisively to any further incursions.
The drone scares in Belgium now add to a growing list of security incidents testing NATO’s vigilance and Europe’s preparedness amid rising regional tension.
