Travelers at Gothenburg's Landvetter Airport faced major disruptions recently when authorities shut down all air traffic for three hours. The closure followed multiple reports of drones operating within the airport's restricted security zone. Police have now closed their investigation after failing to confirm any actual drone presence.
Thomas Fuxborg, police press spokesperson, explained the decision. 'We have no confirmed observations,' he stated. 'There's no technical evidence that one or multiple drones were actually present at the site.'
The incident began in early November when several people reported seeing drones near the airport's approach paths. One incoming flight crew specifically notified air traffic control about potential drone sightings during their landing approach. This triggered immediate security protocols that halted all incoming and outgoing flights.
Planes scheduled to land at Landvetter were redirected to alternative airports across Sweden. The police simultaneously launched a preliminary investigation into suspected air traffic sabotage. This type of response reflects Sweden's strict aviation security measures, developed after previous European airport incidents.
Sweden takes airspace violations seriously, especially near critical infrastructure like airports. The country has invested heavily in drone detection technology in recent years. Yet this case highlights the challenges authorities face when dealing with unconfirmed reports.
'We only had verbal statements,' Fuxborg confirmed when asked about visual evidence. 'No photographs or technical data supported the drone claims.'
The investigation closure doesn't mean the case is permanently solved. Police indicated they could reopen the inquiry if new information emerges. 'We have no suspects, so we're closing it for now,' Fuxborg said. 'But if new details or technical evidence appears, we can take it up again.'
For international visitors and residents, this incident underscores Sweden's cautious approach to aviation security. While the disruption caused travel headaches, it demonstrates the priority given to passenger safety. Similar drone scares have occurred at other Nordic airports, reflecting growing concerns about unauthorized drone operations near critical infrastructure.
The three-hour shutdown affected hundreds of travelers during a busy travel period. Such incidents raise questions about balancing security concerns with minimizing passenger disruptions. As drone technology becomes more accessible, Swedish authorities continue developing better detection and response protocols.
What does this mean for future air travel in Sweden? Authorities will likely maintain their quick-response approach while improving verification methods. Travelers should expect occasional delays when potential security threats emerge, though confirmed incidents remain rare in Swedish airspace.