Europe’s Airports Face Security Tests from Drones and Cyberattacks

Europe’s aviation system is facing serious challenges after drones were spotted over Copenhagen and Oslo, and a recent cyberattack affected major airports, including Heathrow in London, Berlin, and Brussels. These incidents have highlighted weaknesses in the region’s airport security and raised concerns about potential coordinated attacks.

In Denmark, drones forced Copenhagen Airport to close for several hours on Monday, disrupting flights and stranding passengers. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen linked the incident to suspected Russian drone activity, although no official confirmation has been made about who was responsible. At the same time, Oslo’s main airport also faced temporary closure due to drone sightings.

Just days before, hackers targeted airport check-in systems with a ransomware attack. The disruption affected some of Europe’s busiest airports, including London’s Heathrow, causing flight delays and cancellations. Investigators are still determining the source of the attacks, but experts suggest these are examples of “hybrid threats” — combining cyberattacks, drones, and other tactics to test how countries protect critical infrastructure.

“First, the attackers test how the method works. In this case, it forces airport closures,” explained Jukka Savolainen, network director at the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. “The second goal is to measure the reaction of authorities and systems.”

The recent incidents have revealed the vulnerability of the civil aviation sector. Even short disruptions can affect airlines, ground operations, and passengers across multiple airports. Experts warn that as hybrid threats like GPS interference, drones, and cyberattacks grow, aviation authorities must act quickly to strengthen cybersecurity, navigation systems, and overall safety measures.

“This attack shows how connected industries, like aviation, can be highly vulnerable,” said Bart Salaets from U.S. cybersecurity firm F5, referring to the recent hack of check-in software provided by Collins Aerospace.

Analysts also pointed to increased suspicious activity by potential Russian actors across Europe in recent weeks. While Moscow denies any involvement, aviation experts believe governments must take proactive steps to defend critical infrastructure. “Drone activity is getting worse and will likely continue,” said Eric Schouten, director of Dyami, a security advisory firm.

Europe’s air traffic control organization, Eurocontrol, has stated that it is helping national authorities manage the impact of these incidents. However, the events underline the urgent need for investment in advanced security systems and stronger international cooperation to protect Europe’s airspace.

Airlines and airports now face the difficult task of balancing daily operations with heightened security concerns, knowing that even small disruptions can ripple across Europe’s busy aviation network. The recent incidents serve as a reminder that modern airports are highly connected and highly vulnerable, requiring constant vigilance against evolving threats.