Gothenburg's Landvetter Airport faced major disruptions Thursday evening after drone sightings forced authorities to suspend all air traffic. The incident began just before 6 PM local time when airport staff observed unauthorized drone activity in restricted airspace. Aviation officials confirmed the sightings but could not determine whether they involved a single drone or multiple aircraft.
The airport closure lasted for several hours during the busy evening travel period. Hundreds of passengers experienced delays and cancellations as flights remained grounded. Airport authorities worked with aviation regulators to assess the security threat before gradually resuming operations later in the evening.
Sweden maintains strict drone regulations near critical infrastructure like airports. The country prohibits drone flights within 5 kilometers of airports without special permission. Recent years have seen increased drone incidents at Swedish airports, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and detection systems.
This incident marks the third major drone disruption at a Swedish airport this year. Similar events occurred at Stockholm Arlanda and Malmö airports earlier, raising concerns about aviation security. Authorities typically respond to such threats by immediately halting air traffic until they can verify the airspace is clear.
Aviation expert Björn Stavås explained the protocol in a statement. 'We take all unauthorized drone sightings extremely seriously,' he said. 'Safety requires immediate action, even if it causes major disruptions.'
The economic impact of such closures can be substantial. Airlines face costly delays and rebooking expenses, while passengers miss connections and business appointments. Gothenburg's position as Sweden's second-largest airport means disruptions here affect both domestic and international travel networks.
Drone technology has become more accessible in recent years, creating new challenges for airport security worldwide. Swedish authorities have been testing anti-drone systems, but implementation across all major airports remains incomplete. This gap in security infrastructure leaves airports vulnerable to both intentional threats and recreational drone users who ignore regulations.
Travelers affected by the closure expressed frustration but acknowledged the safety concerns. 'It's annoying to be delayed, but I'd rather be safe than sorry,' said one passenger waiting for a Copenhagen flight. Airport staff worked to accommodate stranded passengers and provide updates throughout the evening.
As drone technology continues to evolve, aviation authorities face an ongoing battle to protect airspace. This incident demonstrates how easily a single drone can disrupt critical transportation infrastructure. The response highlights both the effectiveness of current safety protocols and the vulnerability of modern air travel to new technological threats.