A wave of cyber and drone incidents has exposed glaring vulnerabilities in Europe’s aviation security, sparking fears of coordinated hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure.
On Monday, flights at Copenhagen’s main airport were grounded for hours after drones were spotted in the vicinity, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen linking the disruption to a broader pattern of suspected Russian drone incursions across Europe.
A separate incident involving drones was reported in Oslo the same day.
The drone activity followed a ransomware attack over the weekend that crippled airport check-in systems in several cities, including London’s Heathrow, Berlin and Brussels. The hack targeted Collins Aerospace software, affecting passengers and airline operations and causing widespread delays and cancellations.
While investigators have not identified the perpetrators, experts say the incidents fit into a growing pattern of “hybrid threats” combining drones, cyberattacks and GPS interference.
“First is to test how the method works. In this case, it leads to closing down airports. The second testing point is our reaction,” said Jukka Savolainen of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats.
Russia’s ambassador to Denmark dismissed suggestions of Russian involvement as “ungrounded,” though analysts have noted an uptick in suspected Russian-linked disruptions across the continent.
The events underscore the aviation sector’s growing exposure to hybrid attacks. “This attack shows just how vulnerable highly connected industries like aviation can be,” said Bart Salaets of U.S. cybersecurity firm F5.
Experts warn that outdated technology and the high costs of upgrading systems such as drone jamming tools and cyber defences are slowing the sector’s response.
Airline trade body IATA has cautioned that anti-drone technology remains expensive and underdeveloped, while aviation regulators are being urged to impose stricter cybersecurity standards.
“Regulators need to tighten standards even more for critical aviation IT suppliers,” said Jake Moore of Slovakian firm ESET.
Europe’s air traffic control agency, Eurocontrol, said it is supporting local and national authorities in managing the fallout. Security consultants stress that operators must prepare for diverts and implement dynamic risk assessments to minimise disruptions.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to reshape Europe’s security environment, experts say the aviation sector remains a prime target for hybrid operations, and a test of Europe’s ability to safeguard its most vital infrastructure.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
