- Flight Disruptions
- Drone Sightings Temporarily Halt Flights at Belgian Airports
Drone Sightings Temporarily Halt Flights at Belgian Airports
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 5 November 2025
65
Affected flights
400
Impacted travelers
3
Affected airports
What Happened
Suspected drones in Belgian airspace recently forced authorities to suspend flight activity at Brussels and Liege airports. Around 65 flights were canceled or diverted with more departures and arrivals delayed while the incidents were assessed. Operations resumed once the airspace was deemed safe.
Flight Disruption Details
Belgian airports experienced temporary flight stoppages as authorities responded to suspected drone sightings near runways. The incident led to an immediate halt in departures and arrivals at Brussels Airport to ensure passenger safety while investigations took place. Charleroi and Liege airports were also affected. An aviation spokesperson confirmed that the discovery of the drones prompted delays across multiple flights, affecting both incoming and outgoing air traffic.
Authorities swiftly implemented precautionary protocols, suspending all movements until the airspace could be verified as clear. Around 65 flights were canceled or diverted, and 400-500 passengers were delayed overnight in terminals as airport officials worked with aviation security teams to resolve the situation. Normal operations resumed following the all-clear, but some flights continued to experience knock-on delays for a period.
This is the latest drone sighting incident to affect flights in Europe after similar sightings at Munich, Berlin, Copenhagen and Oslo. No further incidents were reported after the initial response, and airport safety measures were reinforced to prevent future occurrences. Travelers at affected airports are advised to monitor their flight status and follow guidance provided by airline staff.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to times you must present yourself for check-in and boarding.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellation and diversion
Cause
Drone sighting
Status
Past disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
65
Passengers affected
400-500
Airports affected
Brussels Airport, Liege Airport, Charleroi Airport
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
5 November 2025
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
