Major European airport halts flights after a number of drone sightings, defence minister publicizes

Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands has been suspended due to multiple drone sightings, a Dutch minister has said. 

In a post on X this evening, Ruben Brekelmans, the defence minister, said the sightings had prompted civilian and military air traffic to be suspended. 

Mr Brekelmans said counter-drone teams were put on standby, with police investigating at the scene. 

‘Further investigation is ongoing and we will take action where necessary,’ he added.

This comes amid a wave of reports of drone sightings in northern Europe.

Only yesterday, unidentified drones were also seen hovering above Volkel Air Base, a key Nato site north of Eindhoven. 

The defence ministry said personnel deployed weapons in an attempt to bring the devices down after they were observed between 7 and 9pm local time – but the drones ‘departed and were never recovered’. 

Volkel Air Base houses both Royal Netherlands Air Force units and a US Air Force squadron, and is considered one of the Netherlands’ most sensitive military locations. 

The unexplained activity sparked immediate alarm, with officials refusing to disclose further details about the drones.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…