BILLUND, Denmark – Flights at Billund Airport, Denmark’s second busiest, were temporarily grounded early Friday after a suspected drone sighting triggered security concerns. The object was later identified by police as nothing more than a bright star, underscoring the tension around a recent surge in reported drone activity across the country.
The shutdown lasted only a short time, but it reflected growing sensitivity around Danish airspace. In the past 24 hours alone, authorities said they received more than 500 tips about possible drones in the skies.
Billund, a key hub for both cargo and tourism, halted departures and arrivals while officers investigated the report. Normal operations resumed once the “drone” was ruled out, though the incident came just days after Copenhagen Airport also suspended traffic over similar concerns.
Officials have not confirmed whether the wave of reports points to coordinated activity, technical misidentifications, or a public on edge. Denmark’s aviation authority has reminded the public that drones are banned within airport zones and that breaches can lead to prosecution.
The rise in alerts mirrors wider European unease about drones, which are increasingly seen as potential risks for surveillance, sabotage, or disruptions to critical infrastructure. Neighboring countries including Sweden and Norway have also reported mysterious aerial activity in recent years, prompting investments in detection systems and stricter enforcement.
While the “shining star” case turned out to be harmless, police insist they cannot afford to downplay such reports. “We must treat every notification as genuine until we know otherwise,” a spokesperson said. “The risk to air safety is too great.”
The Danish government is expected to review its response protocols in the coming days as officials balance vigilance with the risk of unnecessary shutdowns.
