URGENT UPDATE: Flights have been grounded at Gothenburg’s Landvetter Airport following a drone sighting that prompted authorities to close the airspace over the facility. This alarming incident occurred shortly before 6:00 PM (1700 GMT) on Thursday, disrupting travel for numerous passengers.
According to Susanne Norman, COO of Swedish airport operator Swedavia, the airspace remains closed due to the presence of a suspected drone. “The airspace over Landvetter is closed at the moment because of an indication of a suspected drone,” she stated in a written communication to AFP.
Bjorn Stavas, a spokesman for Sweden’s air traffic control agency LFV, confirmed that operations were halted after the drone was observed. “Traffic had been stopped following ‘drone’ observation,” he remarked. It’s unclear whether the sighting involved a single drone or multiple drones.
The disruption has led to the cancellation, delay, or redirection of several flights, as reported on Landvetter’s official website. Passengers are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
This incident follows a troubling pattern of drone sightings affecting aviation across Europe. Earlier this week, similar reports at Brussels international airport resulted in approximately 80 flights being halted, raising concerns about air safety and security.
Authorities are increasingly concerned about a rise in drone activity targeting airports and sensitive military sites in various European nations, including Germany and Denmark. Speculation about potential involvement from Russian operatives has emerged, especially as the conflict in Ukraine continues into its fourth year.
As this situation develops, travelers are advised to remain vigilant and stay informed about further announcements from airport authorities. The implications of this drone sighting could significantly affect air travel in the region for the foreseeable future.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds. The urgency of the situation emphasizes the need for heightened awareness regarding drone activities near critical infrastructure.
