Belgian authorities closed the airspace over Brussels Zaventem Airport after reports of a drone flying above the airfield on Tuesday night. The public broadcaster VRT confirmed that all departures and arrivals were suspended following the first sighting. The airport briefly reopened before shutting down again when another drone appeared over the runway.
Liège Airport, which had received several diverted flights from Brussels, also halted operations after a separate drone report. A spokesperson for Skeyes, the public company overseeing Belgian airspace, said the first sighting occurred around 8 p.m. local time, forcing aircraft to divert to Ostend-Bruges and Charleroi Brussels South airports.
Europe on Edge Amid Airspace Intrusions
Both NATO and the European Union remain on high alert after multiple airspace violations believed to involve Russia. Recent incursions included Russian drones and fighter jets entering allied territory, raising tensions across Europe. NATO issued a direct warning to Moscow in late September, vowing to defend its airspace “by all necessary means.”
The incidents follow the downing of Russian drones over Poland and a report from Estonia that three Russian MiG-31 jets entered its airspace for 12 minutes without authorisation. The Kremlin has denied responsibility, but European leaders expressed growing concern over these provocations.
NATO Responds with Eastern Sentry Initiative
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of the Eastern Sentry programme to deter further Russian aggression and reinforce allied unity. “We see drones violating our airspace. Whether intentional or not, it is unacceptable,” Rutte said. “All allies stand firmly with Poland. We must counter hostility and protect every member of the Alliance.”
The 10 September drone incident over Poland marked the first direct NATO-Russia encounter since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The latest drone sightings above Belgian airports have renewed fears that European airspace remains vulnerable amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
