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Aviation security and surveillance developments in Belgium

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2026-09-17 16:12 UTC → 2026-09-18 05:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Security concerns at Brussels Airport have intensified following a series of incidents involving laser interference and drone reports. Between Friday evening and early Saturday morning, pilots were targeted by laser beams five times in a single night near Dilbeek. Air traffic controller Skeyes confirmed the beams struck pilots in the face between 20:45 and 02:45. While the frequency is considered unusual, Commissioner Koen Luppens noted that the lack of a precise origin point makes it difficult to locate perpetrators. These attacks occur amid ongoing local disputes in Dilbeek regarding a newly implemented flight route. Forty-two households have taken legal action against the Belgian government due to increased noise pollution. Although the timing is notable, police stated there is currently no concrete evidence linking the laser attacks to these disputes. Drone-related disruptions have also persisted. Following a Friday evening incident that saw three aircraft diverted to Ostend and Liege, a new incursion occurred on Saturday night. Skeyes reported that an unauthorized drone was both visually identified and detected via digital surveillance systems near Zaventem Airport. This prompted a mandatory 30-minute safety waiting period, with operations resuming at 20:20. While this specific Saturday incident did not result in major delays or diversions, federal law enforcement and civil aviation authorities have launched investigations to identify the operator. In response to these recurring threats, the Belgian government is working with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to strengthen anti-drone capabilities and has approved regulations allowing critical infrastructure operators to use signal jamming systems under specific conditions. Recent reports indicate that drone sightings continue to impact Brussels Airport. An unmanned aerial vehicle was detected near flight paths and the runway perimeter, confirmed through both visual observation and digital detection systems.

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