Denmark bans civilian drone flights nationwide ahead of EU meeting

Denmark bans civilian drone flights nationwide ahead of EU meeting
(250616) -- WUHAN, June 16, 2025 (Xinhua) -- An aerial drone photo taken on June 16, 2025 shows a logistic drone flying in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. Ten new drone routes linking Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang in Wuhan were officially put into operation on Monday. The low-altitude flying service consists of a digital real-time dispatching platform, 2 smart command centers, 10 low-altitude routes and 22 intelligent aprons. It facilitates the delivery of goods such as seafood, fresh flowers and medicines. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

The temporary ban will run from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3 and is intended to prevent confusion between legal flights and potential hostile activity while authorities focus on summit security, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen said in a statement.

Exemptions may be granted only for urgent tasks of public importance. Ordinary commercial or recreational flights, such as aerial photography for private events, will not be permitted. Military, police and other emergency services are exempt. Violations can be punished by fines or up to two years’ imprisonment, according to Danish authorities.

The restrictions come as EU heads of state or government convene in Copenhagen on Oct. 1 for an informal meeting focused on European defense and support for Ukraine. The order follows multiple reports of drones over Danish airports and military facilities during the past week.