Drones Disrupt Air Traffic at Arlanda Airport Amid Ongoing Investigation
The Civil Aviation Authority has halted all takeoffs and landings at Arlanda Airport as drones were spotted flying in the vicinity, prompting multiple flight diversions. According to police statements, several drones of varying sizes were detected in the airspace around 1 AM on Monday, leading to five flights being redirected to other airports including Nyköping, Gothenburg, and even as far as Copenhagen and Finland, as reported by Swedish media sources.
One flight that was diverted to Skavsta Airport in Nyköping was met by fire engines following an emergency alert due to low fuel levels. However, Jörgen Hansson from the emergency services downplayed the situation, stating, 'It's not as dramatic as it sounds. The landing went well.'
Traffic at the busy airport resumed around 3:30 AM after the situation was resolved. Meanwhile, the police have initiated a preliminary investigation into potential airport sabotage and violations of the Protection Act, which prohibits unauthorized access and activities around key facilities like airports.
Around the same time, police in Uppsala received reports of drones near another restricted area, close to police buildings. Authorities remain cautious, as it is too early to determine whether there’s a link between the drone sightings at Arlanda and those in Uppsala.
In Sweden, drone operation near airports requires specific permission, and any perceived intent to endanger airport security can lead to severe penalties, including possible jail terms of up to four years for airport sabotage. Should the actions be deemed gross violations risking human life, perpetrators could face life sentences.
As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made, and authorities are continuing their investigations into these alarming incidents.
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