Air travel is paralyzed in Belgium. Brussels and Liege airports closed

All air traffic at Brussels Airport was suspended on Tuesday evening following the intrusion of at least one drone , Belgian media reported, citing the Belga news agency.

Air traffic control company spokesman Skeyes Kurt Verwilligen said a report of a drone flying over Brussels Airport was received shortly before 8 p.m.

“As a precautionary measure, all air traffic has been temporarily suspended,” he said.

Although arrivals were redirected to Liege airport, the Belgian airport was also temporarily closed after a drone was spotted nearby, Reuters reported in a subsequent dispatch.

In recent days, Belgium has seen several overflights of unidentified drones. These facilities were located in close proximity to strategic defense points, including the Kleine-Brogel base, where US nuclear weapons are stored. According to preliminary plans, this site will house F-35 fighter jets from 2027.

Earlier on Tuesday , Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken assessed that the actions were directed by professionals and most likely deliberately carried out so close to military areas. He did not rule out the possibility that they were Russian provocations. In one case, a drone jammer was used.

SEE: Los Angeles Airport Paralyzed. All Flights Suspended

The incidents have prompted a change in Belgian defense strategy. Belgian Armed Forces Chief of Defense Frederik Vansina announced on Monday that from now on, the military will shoot down all drones that appear.

“The unmanned aerial vehicle must be destroyed without causing collateral damage,” the official said at a naval ceremony in Zeebrugge.

However, the Belga news agency reported that the Belgian military's ability to shoot down drones is currently limited.

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