Belgium is grappling with a series of drone sightings that have caused significant disruptions at its airports and raised serious security concerns. On Tuesday evening, flights were halted at Brussels Airport, the country's busiest, due to suspected drone activity. The suspension, which began around 20:00 local time, led to cancellations and delays, with operations briefly resuming before being halted again. Liege Airport, a crucial freight hub, also experienced closures, compounding the chaos for travelers and freight companies.

Widespread Disruptions and Security Concerns

The drone sightings were not limited to civilian airports. Military bases, including Kleine-Brogel, which is known to house F-16 fighter jets and reportedly US nuclear weapons, also reported drone activity. This has prompted Belgium's national security council to schedule an emergency meeting on Thursday to address the escalating situation. The mayor of Diest confirmed that multiple drones were spotted at the Schaffen military airbase, further heightening security concerns.

Possible State Actor Involvement

Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has indicated that the drone incursions appear to be coordinated, suggesting the involvement of a state actor. While no official attribution has been made, a source told the Belga news agency that security services suspect Russian involvement. This suspicion aligns with a broader pattern of drone incursions across Europe, which have been increasing since mid-September.

Broader European Context

The incidents in Belgium are part of a wider trend of airspace violations across Europe. Countries like the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Estonia have reported similar incursions, often linked to geopolitical tensions. Lithuania recently closed its largest airports due to helium balloons suspected of carrying contraband, which were described as "hybrid attacks" reminiscent of tactics used by Moscow.