A wave of drone and balloon intrusions across Europe has forced airports to close runways and divert flights. The most dramatic incident occurred at Vilnius Airport, where contraband balloons from Belarus carrying cigarettes triggered a hours‑long shutdown and affected about 6,000 passengers. Munich Airport closed its runways twice in as many days after multiple drone sightings, leading to dozens of cancellations and diversions.
Similar suspensions hit Copenhagen, Oslo and Billund airports, highlighting the growing security challenge of unidentified aerial vehicles. Travelers should anticipate delays and be ready to adjust itineraries, as authorities refine counter‑drone measures and build a “drone wall” along Europe’s eastern frontier.
TL;DR
- Vilnius shut for hours after 25 smuggler balloons from Belarus entered airspace two crossed the airport.
- Munich closed its runways twice within 24 hours after drone sightings.
- Copenhagen Oslo and Billund saw suspensions or pauses tied to drone reports.
- Poland shot down drones that crossed from Belarus during a wider attack.
- EU states discuss a coordinated drone wall along the eastern frontier.
- Travelers should plan buffers enable alerts and know EU UK rights for disruption support.
- Expect evening ground stops and rolling knock on delays.
Jump to: Aerial Incursions • Balloons over Vilnius • Why This Matters • Traveler Tips • Outlook • FAQ
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Growing Wave of Aerial Incursions
In October 2025 Lithuanian officials detected 25 helium balloons carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus over the country’s airspace. Two balloons drifted directly over Vilnius Airport, forcing a suspension of all flights for several hours. Authorities recovered seven balloons carrying a total of 12,000 packs of cigarettes, and about 30 flights were either cancelled or diverted to airports in Latvia and Poland, disrupting travel for nearly 6,000 passengers. To prevent further incursions, Lithuania imposed a 90‑km no‑fly zone along its border with Belarus.
Germany’s second‑busiest airport was hit by multiple drone sightings. In early October Munich Airport temporarily closed both runways after drones were seen over the perimeter. The closures, repeated within 24 hours, affected 17 departures and forced 15 arriving flights to divert to other German and Austrian airports, stranding about 11,500 passengers. Authorities have not identified the operators, but German defence officials warned of an “arms race” in counter‑drone technology and promised to equip police with specialised units. Similar sightings at Frankfurt Airport and at a nearby ammunition depot intensified fears of hybrid attacks.
The ripple effects were felt across Scandinavia. Copenhagen Airport halted take‑offs and landings for nearly four hours when several large drones appeared in its airspace. Oslo Airport likewise shut its airspace for more than three hours following a drone observation; flights were diverted and passengers warned of continued delays. Danish authorities considered the incidents a possible hybrid attack and banned all civilian drone flights during an EU summit, acknowledging that the country lacked the tools to counter such threats.
Billund Airport briefly closed after a bright star was misreported as a drone, illustrating how nervous authorities have become; police logged more than 500 potential drone sightings in 24 hours, and Denmark’s prime minister called the Copenhagen closure “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date”.
The incursions are not limited to civilian airports. Poland closed portions of its airspace and fired missiles for the first time during Russia’s war in Ukraine to shoot down drones that crossed from Belarus. These events, along with surveillance flights over military installations in Belgium and other NATO countries, have led European defence ministers to propose a “drone wall” — a network of detection systems and counter‑measures along Europe’s eastern border.
Why this matters for travelers
Unexpected airspace violations can cause immediate operational chaos. Flights may be cancelled or diverted without notice, and temporary closures can cascade into missed connections and overnight delays. Travelers heading through major hubs in Central, Eastern or Northern Europe should be prepared for more frequent ground stops, especially during evening hours when drone sightings are harder to verify. Because the disruptions often happen suddenly, a conservative response means that runways are closed until authorities confirm the airfield is clear.
Tips for travelers
- Stay informed and allow extra time. Before heading to the airport, check airline notifications and airport websites for drone‑related alerts. Travel and Tour World recommends monitoring official sources and leaving additional time at airports in Germany, Denmark and Norway.
- Build buffer time into itineraries. Adept Travel advises booking longer connection windows and considering earlier flights in the day when possible. Evening disruptions can ripple into next‑morning departures, so travellers should plan accordingly.
- Enable alerts and have a back‑up plan. Enable push notifications from airlines and airport apps, and consider alternative transport such as rail or car within regional networks. Having a same‑day surface‑transport plan can be useful if flights are cancelled or diverted.
- Follow security instructions. Heightened security measures may include perimeter sweeps and passenger screening; follow all guidance and cooperate with airport staff.
- Know your rights. Under EU and UK passenger rights rules, airlines must provide an onward flight as soon as possible — even on a rival carrier — along with meals and hotel accommodation when flights are cancelled due to extraordinary events such as drone intrusions. Travellers should keep receipts and request assistance at the airport if stranded.
Outlook
European regulators and airport operators are rushing to harden airspace. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to refine drone regulations, while airports deploy layered counter‑UAS systems that can detect, track and, where legal, neutralise rogue drones. Defence ministers envision a coordinated “drone wall” along the eastern border to protect critical infrastructure. Until these measures mature, travellers should remain vigilant, flexible and patient when flying through Europe’s busiest hubs.
FAQ
What is actually closing runways
Unconfirmed drones and smuggler balloons entering protected airspace can trigger conservative ground stops while fields are swept.
Which airports were affected this week
Vilnius Munich Copenhagen Oslo and Billund reported suspensions cancellations or diversions.
Why evenings see more disruption
Sightings are harder to verify in low light which can extend checks and keep traffic paused longer.
What should travelers do right now
Enable airline and airport push alerts plan longer connections and keep a same day surface backup on key routes.
Do EU UK rights apply during drone events
Yes airlines must reroute you as soon as possible and provide care meals hotels during extraordinary events even if not at fault.