Air traffic at Gothenburg's Landvetter Airport faced major disruptions on Thursday evening. Authorities closed the airspace for several hours after multiple drone sightings were reported near the airport.
The Swedish Armed Forces joined the investigation. Airport officials confirmed the security breach around 6 PM local time.
Björn Stavås from the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration acknowledged the drone observations. He stated that air traffic was currently suspended while authorities addressed the security threat.
Susanne Norman, operations manager at state-owned airport operator Swedavia, issued a written statement. She emphasized that safety remains the top priority. The airspace closure will continue while police conduct their investigation into the suspicious drone activity.
This incident highlights Sweden's growing drone security challenges. Swedish airports have faced increasing drone-related disruptions in recent years. The country has strict no-fly zones around critical infrastructure like airports. Violators face severe penalties including imprisonment.
Landvetter Airport serves as western Sweden's primary international gateway. It handles over 6 million passengers annually. Any extended closure creates ripple effects across European air travel networks. Flights were likely diverted to alternative airports including Copenhagen and Stockholm.
Drone incidents at airports present serious safety risks. Collisions with aircraft could cause catastrophic damage. The small, agile devices are difficult to detect and intercept. Swedish authorities have invested in anti-drone technology, but challenges remain.
International travelers should monitor flight status when traveling through Swedish airports. Such disruptions can lead to lengthy delays and cancellations. Passengers affected by security-related closures may face complicated rebooking processes.
This event follows similar drone incidents at Swedish airports in recent years. Malmö Airport and Stockholm Arlanda have both experienced temporary closures due to unauthorized drone activity. The pattern suggests either coordinated testing of security systems or persistent recreational drone use near restricted areas.
Airport security protocols require immediate response to drone sightings. The economic impact of such closures runs into millions of kronor per hour. Airlines face substantial costs from diversions and delays. Passengers bear the frustration of disrupted travel plans.
The investigation will likely focus on identifying the drone operator. Swedish law enforcement has sophisticated tracking capabilities. Previous incidents have resulted in prosecutions under Sweden's strict aviation security laws.
Air travel remains one of Sweden's most secure transportation methods. Temporary closures demonstrate the system's robust safety protocols. Travelers can expect thorough security measures when operations resume.