Police in Sweden continue investigating a suspected drone sighting that halted air traffic at Gothenburg Landvetter Airport. Authorities cannot confirm whether an actual drone was present during Thursday evening's incident that stopped flights for three hours.
Police spokesperson Jennifer Last stated the investigation remains ongoing. 'It is too early to say,' Last explained. 'We have not yet been able to identify that it was a drone.'
The security alert began at 5:41 PM on Thursday when multiple witnesses reported suspected drones over the airport. Both airport staff and private individuals called emergency services. The Swedish Armed Forces joined the response, and aviation authorities closed airspace around Sweden's second-largest airport.
Airport operator Swedavia prioritized safety during the incident. 'Safety always comes first,' said the company's operational manager. 'The airspace remains closed while police conduct their investigation.'
After three hours of halted flights, authorities lifted the restrictions around 10:00 PM. No drones or suspicious individuals were located despite the extensive response. The case is currently classified as aviation sabotage.
Police face significant challenges in verifying drone sightings. Darkness and distance complicate identification of aerial objects. 'Generally, many things in the sky can be mistaken for drones,' Last noted. 'Everything from stars to airplanes becomes harder to identify in darkness and at distance.'
Witness statements contain inherent reliability issues that investigators must consider. Police compare multiple accounts to make the most accurate assessment possible. The decision to halt air traffic primarily rests with aviation authorities and airport operators, not police.
This incident highlights Sweden's ongoing struggle with unauthorized drone activity near critical infrastructure. Swedish airports have experienced multiple drone incidents in recent years, prompting increased security measures. The country maintains strict drone regulations that prohibit flights near airports without special permission.
International travelers should note that Swedish authorities take all drone reports seriously, particularly near transportation hubs. The quick airspace closure demonstrates Sweden's precautionary approach to potential aviation threats.
Police continue analyzing witness statements and evidence. Investigators seek additional information from the public. No timeline exists for completing the investigation, and no suspects have been identified or arrested.
Airport operations returned to normal following the incident, but the investigation raises broader questions about drone detection capabilities. As drone technology becomes more accessible, authorities worldwide face similar challenges distinguishing genuine threats from false alarms.