Drone alert at Brussels Airport: Airport closed to flight traffic

An alert was issued at Brussels Airport following reports of a drone being sighted in its airspace. Belgian Air Traffic Control services announced that the airport has been closed to flight traffic following the drone report.

A spokesperson for Brussels Airport confirmed that flight traffic at the airport has completely stopped, stating, "We are currently investigating reports regarding drone activity around the airport. For security reasons, no aircraft are currently taking off or landing."

Due to the closure of Brussels Airport, air traffic destined for the capital is being diverted to Charleroi and Liege airports, as well as nearby destinations such as Ostend-Bruges, Maastricht, and Eindhoven.

Reports in the Belgian press stated that at least three drones were detected in Brussels, and that the Belgian civil aviation authority and police have launched an investigation to identify the operators of the drones.

Drone flights in controlled airspace are not permitted due to the high risk they pose to aviation safety. Even a small drone colliding with an aircraft can cause serious damage, especially during takeoff and landing. It is not yet known how long Brussels Airport will remain closed.

News Source: 12punto