Brussels Airport air traffic disrupted by drone sighting

Air traffic at Brussels Airport was temporarily disrupted on a Friday evening following a confirmed drone sighting near the runway. The Belgian air traffic control operator, Skeyes, confirmed that both an air traffic control supervisor and airport security personnel observed the device in a high-risk zone.

In response, authorities activated the ‘Rogue Drone Procedure,’ which involves halting runway traffic for at least 30 minutes after the last sighting to mitigate collision risks. During the disruption, which lasted approximately 25 to 30 minutes, aircraft attempting to land were placed in holding patterns. Three flights were diverted to alternative airports, with two landing in Ostend and one in Liege, before planning to return to Brussels.

While no drone was detected during subsequent security checks, the incident follows a pattern of drone-related security concerns in Belgium. Previous sightings in late 2025 at airports and military sites led the Belgian National Security Council to discuss strengthening anti-drone capabilities, with support from Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.