A major European airport has been forced to close its airspace after multiple drones were spotted in the vicinity, causing widespread disruption and leaving dozens of travellers stranded.
Complete Air Traffic Suspension
Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands suspended all civilian and military air traffic on November 22, 2025, following confirmed sightings of unmanned aerial vehicles in the area. The unprecedented shutdown has resulted in flights being diverted to alternative airports including Rotterdam, Brussels and Weeze.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans confirmed the situation via social media platform X, stating: 'Multiple drones have been spotted at Eindhoven Airport. Civilian and military air traffic has therefore been suspended.'
Military and Police Response
Defence counter-drone measures have been placed on standby with authorities prepared to intervene if necessary. Both police and military police (KMar) are present at the scene conducting further investigations.
Minister Brekelmans emphasised that authorities will 'take action where necessary' as the investigation continues. This incident follows similar drone activity detected just hours earlier over Volkel Air Base, located approximately 18.6 miles from Eindhoven Airport.
Growing Drone Threat in Europe
The Eindhoven incident represents the latest in a concerning pattern of unauthorised drone activity across Northern Europe. Recent weeks have seen similar sightings reported near sensitive locations in Denmark, Sweden and Germany, including close to a Swedish naval base.
At Volkel Air Base, Royal Netherlands Air Force personnel had previously attempted to shoot down drones detected during the previous night, highlighting the escalating nature of this security challenge.
Dutch broadcaster NOS reports that dozens of passengers remain stranded in the departure hall at Eindhoven Airport, with no clear indication when normal operations might resume. Travellers are being advised to contact their airlines for updated flight information and alternative arrangements.
