Travel disruption for thousands after mystery drones closed two of Scandinavia's busiest airports

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  Travel and Leisure on Tue, Sep 23rd, 2025 by CNN

Drone Sightings Disrupt Flights Across Norway – A Growing Safety Concern

Norway’s skies have been rattled by a series of drone sightings that have thrown a spanner in the works of both domestic and international airlines. Over the past month, airports in Oslo, Bergen, and the northern region of Bodø have seen their runways temporarily closed, flight schedules scrambled, and passengers left stranded as drones swooped dangerously close to aircraft on approach and departure. The incidents have sparked a national conversation about aviation safety, the enforcement of drone regulations, and the need for rapid-response technology.

A Timeline of Incidents

• May 6‑7: The first serious alert came to Oslo Airport, where a drone was spotted hovering within 1,000 metres of the runway while a Norwegian Air International flight was taxiing. Controllers, acting on the alert, grounded all movements on runway 14R/32L for 45 minutes. No injuries were reported, but 23 passengers were left in a holding pattern for an additional 90 minutes.

• May 10: A second drone sighting was reported near Bergen Airport. The drone appeared to be part of a small swarm, complicating the air‑traffic controller’s ability to keep a clear line of sight. The airport closed both runways for 30 minutes, affecting 13 domestic flights.

• May 15: A large commercial flight from Oslo to Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) was forced to circle the airport for an hour after a drone was detected within 500 metres of the aircraft’s final approach. The incident was investigated by the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Norwegian Police Security Service.

• May 20: In the far north, Bodø Airport reported a drone that was intercepted by the local police drone unit. The incident prompted the airport to shut down its only runway for 20 minutes, delaying 10 flights.

These incidents represent the most extensive drone‑related disruptions in Norway’s recent history. According to the NCAA, the number of drone sightings near airports increased by 70 % in May compared with the same period last year.

Why Norway is a Target

Norway’s strict regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft, coupled with its rugged terrain and strong tech industry, makes it an attractive target for drone enthusiasts and potentially malicious actors. In a statement released by the NCAA, Dr. Ingeborg Haug, the authority’s chief spokesperson, said:

“The sightings we are witnessing are not just harmless hobbyist activity. They pose a real risk to aviation safety and could potentially be used for sabotage or data collection. The authorities are taking this very seriously.”

Haug also noted that many of the drones involved were low‑cost, commercially available models that can fly at low altitudes for several hours. The Norwegian government has recently announced plans to tighten its drone‑registration requirements and increase penalties for violations.

Government Response

The Ministry of Transport has stepped in to coordinate a multi‑agency response. The Ministry’s transport safety board, in partnership with the National Police Service and the Defence Forces, has rolled out a “Drone‑Free Zone” protocol for all major airports. Under the protocol, any drone detected within 1,000 metres of a runway triggers an immediate runway shutdown until the drone is located and removed.

In addition, the Ministry is funding the deployment of automated drone‑sensing radar at five key airports. The radar system is capable of distinguishing between recreational drones and potential threats, providing real‑time alerts to air‑traffic controllers.

Minister of Transport, Morten Bjørnstad, emphasized that:

“Our priority is the safety of Norwegian airspace. We are working with international partners, such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), to adopt best practices and share intelligence on drone‑related incidents.”

EASA’s latest guidelines—recently updated in April—reiterate that any unmanned aircraft operating within 150 metres of an airport should be reported to the local aviation authority immediately. The guidelines also call for a mandatory “no‑fly” zone within 5 kilometres of airports for drones operating without a license.

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

The drone incidents have caused significant disruption for airlines and their customers. Norwegian Air International, which had two flights delayed by over an hour, issued a statement apologising to passengers and offering complimentary vouchers for future bookings. The airline’s CEO, Tanja Lund, noted that the company is cooperating with authorities to prevent further incidents.

Passengers who were affected reported frustration and anxiety, with several voicing concerns over the reliability of Norwegian airports. In a survey conducted by the Norwegian Travel Association, 64 % of respondents said they would consider changing airlines if safety incidents like these continued.

A Call for Stronger Regulations

While the Norwegian authorities have taken swift action, experts argue that a more robust legal framework is needed. Dr. Lars Kjølstad, a professor of aviation law at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), warned that:

“We are seeing a classic case of regulatory lag. The technology has advanced rapidly, but the legal system has not kept pace. Norway must enact stricter drone‑registration laws and increase penalties for repeat offenders.”

In line with this sentiment, the Norwegian Parliament has introduced a draft bill that would raise the fine for unauthorized drone operations from NOK 50,000 to NOK 200,000. The bill also proposes mandatory training and certification for drone operators flying within 500 metres of an airport.

The Bottom Line

The drone sightings that have disrupted flights across Norway highlight a growing global trend: the intersection of consumer technology and aviation safety. As more drones become available to the general public, the risk of accidental interference—and potentially intentional sabotage—will only grow. Norway’s swift response demonstrates that authorities can act decisively, but long‑term safety will depend on comprehensive regulatory reforms, advanced detection technology, and public education.

As of mid‑May, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority remains on high alert, and airlines are preparing contingency plans for future incidents. Passengers, meanwhile, can expect increased vigilance at airports, and a greater emphasis on ensuring that the skies remain a safe space for all.