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Drone Sightings Halt Flights at Eindhoven Airport; Military Reports Firing Near Volkel Air Base

Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport was temporarily suspended on Saturday after multiple drones were sighted above the airfield; flights resumed shortly after 10pm. Defence minister Ruben Brekelmans said Dutch forces fired on drones near Volkel air base, about 25 miles (40 km) north‑east of Eindhoven. Authorities have not yet identified those responsible, and an investigation is ongoing. Similar disruptions across Europe have prompted concern that the incidents may be part of a wider campaign to destabilise regional transport and security.

06:51 AM, 11/23/2025Security
Drone Sightings Halt Flights at Eindhoven Airport; Military Reports Firing Near Volkel Air Base

Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the south of the Netherlands was temporarily suspended on Saturday evening after multiple drones were sighted over the airfield. Operations were reported to have resumed shortly after 10pm local time.

Ruben Brekelmans, the Dutch defence minister, said the sightings forced both civilian and military flights to be grounded while authorities assessed the threat. "Several drones have been spotted at Eindhoven Airport. Civilian and military air traffic has therefore been suspended. Defence counter-drone assets are ready to intervene," he said.

The defence ministry confirmed that Dutch military personnel fired on drones observed above Volkel air force base, around 25 miles (approximately 40 km) north‑east of Eindhoven. Police and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee were also deployed to the scene, and an investigation is ongoing.

Officials have not yet identified who was responsible for the drone activity over Eindhoven. Similar temporary closures and disruptions at European airports this year — including in Denmark and Norway — have raised concerns about coordinated interference.

Some authorities have linked a series of such incidents to a suspected Russian "hybrid war" campaign aimed at disrupting transport and security across Europe. In September, Russian drones were reported and blocked while flying over Poland and Romania, and on another occasion three Russian military jets entered Estonian airspace without permission.

The incident underscores continuing concerns about the risks that small unmanned aircraft pose to airports and military installations. Dutch authorities say they will continue investigations and take necessary measures to protect airspace and public safety.

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