Eindhoven Airport was closed for a few hours on Saturday evening after several drones were spotted. Air traffic to and from Eindhoven was stopped. Air traffic resumed just after half past ten.
Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that ‘counter-drone assets from Defense’ were ready to intervene at the airport. The police and military police were also present.
“Due to airspace disruptions, flights have been delayed and cancellations may follow,” read signs at Eindhoven Airport. The airport’s website stated that flights were diverted via Weeze, Rotterdam and Brussels.
A spokeswoman for Eindhoven Airport confirmed around half past eight on Saturday evening that no flights were departing or landing at the airport at that time. Because there is also an air base on the site, military air traffic was also stopped.
Air traffic resumes
Air traffic was resumed at ten past ten. “The drones created a dangerous situation,” says Raissa Broeren, spokesperson for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. “We take disruption to air traffic very seriously and do not want to take any risks. That is why we have taken measures.” Broeren confirms that there were several drones, but cannot give an exact number.
Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on X that Defense cannot yet share information about the measures taken for security reasons.
Drones were also spotted above Volkel air base on Friday evening. Defense has tried to shoot down the drones with weapons.