A MAJOR European airport has suspended flights following a spate of mysterious drone sightings – sparking widespread travel chaos.
Dutch authorities confirmed Eindhoven Airport shut down its airspace due to the unexplained sightings – which also caused military air traffic to pause.
Counter-drones teams and police officers rushed to the scene to investigate, Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said.
He added that further probes were still ongoing, and vowed to take action where necessary.
The disruption caused travel mayhem at the airport, as many flights faced delays and even diversions, leaving scores of passengers stranded.
It remains unclear who exactly was behind the drone incursion on Saturday.
The latest sighting comes as Europe continues to grapple with frequent drone incursions – many of which have forced airports to close.
Fears are mounting that a sabre-rattling Vladimir Putin may be behind several of the recent instances.
The airport shut down came just hours after UFOs were seen hovering above Volkel Air Base – a key Nato building just 24 miles north of Eindhoven Airport.
Military personnel even opened fire in an effort to fend off the aircraft, according to the Dutch defence ministry.
The drones buzzed the military base between 7pm and 9pm local time.
After a swift encounter, they reportedly “departed were never recovered”, authorities said.
Described as one of the Netherlands’ most sensitive military locations, Volkel Air Base hosts a US Air Force squadron and Royal Netherlands Air Force units.
Authorities said that it remained unclear why the drones were spotted buzzing above the complex.
Earlier this month, Lithuania‘s largest airport was shut down after another unusual drone appearance.
It came after two of Belgium’s main international airports were also brought to a standstill by suspicious drones.
All air traffic was suspended at Brussels Airport in the capital and Liège Airport.
In September, Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport had to be closed briefly as a result of drone sightings.
Last month, Nato revealed it was ramping up its air defences as rogue drones continued to menace European airports and bases.
