Mysterious drones appeared over key Belgian airports in early November 2025. These sightings forced officials to close operations and disrupted air travel across the region.
The Initial Disruptions
On November 4, drones hovered near Brussels Airport in the evening. Authorities shut down the facility right away. They diverted incoming flights to other cities and stopped all departures.
Ongoing Incidents
The problems continued. On November 7, Liege Airport paused flights for 30 minutes after another drone appeared. Then on November 9, a third sighting caused more delays. Moreover drones flew near military bases like Kleine Brogel. This site stores U.S. nuclear weapons. Officials grew concerned about security risks.
Meanwhile similar sightings occurred at Liege Airport. This major cargo hub also halted operations. The closures stranded passengers and delayed shipments.As a result, dozens of flights faced cancellations the next day. Travelers experienced long waits and frustration.
Suspected Motives
Experts suspect spying operations. Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken stated amateurs could not pull off these acts. He linked them to professional efforts.However Belgium avoided blaming Russia directly. Other NATO allies pointed to Russian hybrid warfare. They cited similar events in Europe.
In addition, Belgium hosts EU and NATO headquarters. Frozen Russian assets there might fuel tensions.
International Responses
Prime Minister Bart De Wever called emergency meetings. The government plans to boost air safety by January. Furthermore the UK deployed anti-drone teams. British forces arrived with equipment to help Belgium counter the threats.
Lasting Impacts
These events highlight vulnerabilities in airspace. Airports resumed normal operations, but vigilance remains high. Consequently experts call for stronger defenses. The incidents remind everyone of modern security challenges.
