Belgium rushes to secure drone defences after airport disruption

After drone sightings cause Zaventem airport near Brussels to close temporarily, Belgium turns to its European allies for help.

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Flights were paused at Zaventem airport on Thursday night, after drones were spotted nearby. They were also seen in other locations, including a military base.

"At first, drones flying over our military bases were seen as our problem," Defence Minister Theo Francken said. "Now it has become a serious threat affecting civilian infrastructure across multiple European countries."

Francken said several European allies have offered assistance, and he had accepted help from the German military which is providing anti-drone defences.

About 3,000 passengers of Brussels Airlines were affected by the disruptions, and the carrier said it faced "considerable costs" from cancelling or diverting dozens of flights.