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What happens to flights at Oslo Airport when drones are spotted?

Runway changes, airspace closures and diverted flights after drone sightings.

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Short answer

When drones are reported near Oslo Airport, traffic can be moved to one runway or the airspace closed, and flights on their way in are sent to the nearest airport. On the night of 22–23 September 2025 the airspace was closed for about three hours after two sightings, and 12 flights were affected. The police were notified.

Ullensaker (Gardermoen) a red train crossing a bridge, a small airplane above and a ferry on blue water below

Why

  1. On the evening of 22 September 2025 Avinor first moved all traffic to one runway for safety reasons and notified the police.
  2. Oslo Airport's head of communications said there had been two separate sightings and that the airspace was closed as a safety measure, because drones can seriously damage aircraft.
  3. Avinor's rules say drone pilots need permission from the local control tower to fly within five kilometres of an airport.

Details

In September 2025 the airspace was closed from around midnight until about 03:30, and Copenhagen Airport was also closed by drone sightings the same night. Øst police district said the sightings were possible but not verified, so no drone pilot could be found. Avinor's drone map shows the zones around airports where drones need permission.

Tip

If you are flying to or from Oslo when drones are reported, follow your flight in the Avinor app or with your airline, since a diverted flight may land at another airport.

People also ask

  • Why was Oslo Airport closed because of drones?

Sources

This answer describes past events and is for reference only, so check Avinor and your airline for the current status of your flight.

Ullensaker (Gardermoen)
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